This linear Mathematics A-level is for students who have enjoyed studying Mathematics at GCSE, and have strong algebra skills. The course comprises of a combination of pure mathematics, statistics and mechanics.
You must have achieved a grade 7 at GCSE Mathematics. If you have achieved a grade 6 and have a high GCSE average, you will be considered to study the course, but must pass a short algebra test.
Meet the Mathematics teachers and students
Course Content
- Pure mathematics topics include: Proof, Algebra and Functions, Coordinate Geometry, Sequences and Series, Trigonometry, Exponentials and Logarithms, Differentiation, Integration, Numerical Methods and Vectors.
- Statistics topics include: Statistical Sampling, Data Presentation and Interpretation, Probability, Statistical Distributions and Statistical Hypothesis Testing.
- Mechanics topics include: Quantities and Units in Mechanics, Kinematics, Forces and Newton’s Laws ad Moments.
Methods of Assessment
The course is taught by well-qualified and experienced staff. Students will employ the mathematical packages Autograph, GeoGebra and Excel (amongst others) to help with investigations and data handling projects. Access to two Virtual Learning Environments, Moodle and Integral, is provided by the College to support students. Graphical calculators are also used as a teaching tool. Use of these resources will enable students to develop as independent and confident learners. Students are expected to do a substantial amount of revision and practice outside the classroom. Formal and informal support is available for all students.
Resources
Students will have access to a course handbook at the start of the year containing important information. All students will need to have access to the course textbooks. These are available to purchase or there will be an option to have access to the online version for a small fee. Details of this will be available once the student is enrolled. The College library is well stocked with other Mathematics books, and students are encouraged to use IT resources as appropriate. It is unlikely that the calculators' students used in their GCSE course will be sufficient to deal with the demands of A-level. Students will, therefore, need a graphical calculator for this course and these can be purchased by the student or are available to hire from the mathematics department. Students are also encouraged to keep their own scientific calculators in addition to the graphical calculators.
Enrichment
We offer support for students taking the Maths Challenge, STEP Maths and the Advanced Extension Award for Maths. This support is aimed at students capable of achieving A/A* in Maths and/or Further Maths.
Progression
Students have gone on to university to study Mathematics, Computing, Sciences, Accounting, Finance, Engineering, Economics, Law, Medicine and Education. Many students studying Maths have gone on to top Russell Group universities.
Additional Costs
Students will be expected to have a graphical calculator which can be hired from the mathematics department for £15 per year or purchased separately for an approximate cost of £55-60. Students are also encouraged to have a scientific calculator such as that used for GCSE. Students may wish to purchase textbooks for the course but this is not a requirement.
N.B. If you are applying to do Further Mathematics you DO NOT need to apply for this course as well, as the Further Mathematics course automatically also includes Mathematics A-level.