Mathematics

Course summary

This course is for students who want to continue studying mathematics after GCSE. You'll already be familiar with some of the topics but the A level will give you the chance to study these and some new ones in much greater depth. Maths is a facilitating subject which means it will prepare you for a wide range of degree subjects. It can be a recommended or in fact, a requirement for many mathematical, technical and scientific subjects at university. It's a good combination with most other subjects you can study at A level and will give you a useful set of transferable skills including logical reasoning, problem-solving and analytical thinking skills that can lead to many different careers. Two-thirds of the course will focus on pure mathematics covering techniques in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus that form the fundamental building blocks of the subject. The remainder of the course covers mechanics (forces, energy, motion) and statistics (probability, data handling, testing hypotheses). Throughout the course, you will be practising solving problems of increasing difficulty, applying the theory you have covered, and developing your skills as a confident and independent mathematical thinker. Students are often asked to research new topics and come to lessons prepared to discuss a new mathematical concept. In lessons, the class will work together with the teacher to develop the understanding of topics and the applications of the new knowledge. Students are given many problems to solve in private study outside the classroom situation. The students are given opportunities to practise past papers under examination conditions.