Why study mathematics? On this course you will develop an understanding of advanced mathematics and appreciate some of its powerful applications. Pure mathematics will build ideas in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus to provide the conceptual foundations for applications in statistics and mechanics and beyond.
You can progress to higher education to study at degree level. An A Level in Mathematics will help you access university to study for a BSc in Mathematics or a range of scientific or analytical subjects.
This course can be studied as part of the business or science A Level.
What you'll learn
The course includes four units of pure maths and then your study will include the following:
The course includes the following topics:
Pure Content
- Proof
- Algebra and functions
- Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
- Sequences and series
- Trigonometry
- Exponentials and logarithms
- Differentiation
- Integration
- Numerical methods
- Vectors Assessment
Statistics and Mechanics Content
- Statistical sampling
- Data presentation and interpretation
- Probability
- Statistical distributions
- Statistical hypothesis testing
- Quantities and units in mechanics
- Kinematics
- Forces and Newton’s laws
- Moments Assessment overview
How you'll learn and be assessed
You will develop an understanding of advanced mathematical techniques and of coherence, connectedness and progression in mathematics. Importantly, you will practice using these techniques in difficult, unstructured problems.
You will practice the learning skills necessary for successful further academic study or employment, including persistence, effort, listening to and working with others, taking responsibility and managing your time.
By the end of the course you will have benefited from individual support, including clear advice about higher education and careers.
Final formal assessment is through public examinations in June of year 2. Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2 Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics Each paper is: 2-hour written examination 33.33% of the qualification.
Your progress will be assessed informally throughout, including through assessment tests, broadly twice each term. Your suitability to continue your studies into year 2 will be assessed by formal examinations in May/June of year 1.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English. Maths at grade 6 is required.
Additional information
You will need text books, a scientific calculator and a graphical calculator full details will be given at the start of the course.
