Course
information

Summary

The A-level Maths course is for those who love maths and want to study it at a higher level. At its core is the development of a logical mind that prepares you for whatever you want to do in life. Over the 2-year course, you will study pure maths, which looks at the theoretical side of mathematics and develops your knowledge and understanding of algebra and geometry. Some of the topics will be familiar to you already, but other topics (e.g. calculus) may be completely new. Alongside these modules, you will also study applied maths modules (statistics and mechanics), which develop your knowledge from GCSE and introduce new topics about forces and how the universe works. If you feel up to the challenge, you may also study Further Maths as a fourth qualification alongside A-level Mathematics, as an AS- or full A-level. (Please see the Further Maths subject for more information.)

The course consists of 2/3 pure maths and 1/3 applied maths.

Pure maths looks at the theoretical side of mathematics and develops your knowledge and understanding of algebra and geometry. Some of the topics will be familiar to you already from GCSE – for example, equations of straight lines and trigonometry. Other topics – for example, calculus – will be completely new, but will hopefully be interesting to you and exciting to learn.

Applied maths (statistics) contains many familiar topics (the averages, histograms and probability). The module also introduces various statistical distributions. The topics you are familiar with will be developed further, alongside new topics which will add variety and interest.

Applied maths (mechanics) is the mathematical part of physics. This module explores the forces on a stationary object and on an object moving in one dimension. You will explore travel graphs and motion in a straight line in this module and will use vectors, which you may have encountered at GCSE.

What do I need to join?

To study this course, you will need 5 GCSEs at grade 4–9, including English and Maths. You must also have a grade 7 or above in GCSE Mathematics, or a 6 with an entrance test. You will also need to be competent with the algebra on the higher GCSE Mathematics course.

How will I know how I am doing?

Year 1: One pure maths exam (66%) and one applied maths (stats and mechanics) exam (33%)

Year 2: Two pure maths exams (66%) and one applied maths (stats and mechanics) exam (33%)

You may achieve an AS in Maths if you drop the subject at the end of the first year. However, if you decide to continue onto the second year, this AS qualification will not count if you drop the subject after starting the second (A2) year.

Work Experience

You will be required to do a minimum of 36 hours of work experience. This is usually completed in a week during your first year in term time, where you will have the opportunity to explore a career field which takes your interest. In the lead-up to this week, you will be asked to create an exciting CV during a group tutorial period. The aim of this activity is to give you an idea of what full-time employment is like and to help you think about which career you would like to follow.

What can I do next?

There is a massive outreach for mathematicians in current industry. With the rise in new technology, the need for elite mechanical engineers, data analysts, software engineers and civil servants is skyrocketing. A-level Mathematics is a subject that can lead to an extremely successful career. The types of degree courses A-level Mathematics students want heavily involve the topics covered in the subject. In modern times, this course can provide some of the most exciting jobs to date. Successful A-level mathematicians prove to employers that they are of high performance and ability. Being able to think quickly and logically is an invaluable skill that is refined in this course.

Course information last updated: Friday 29th May 2020 @ 7.30am (22 hours ago)