Mathematical Studies

Assessment

Mathematical Studies is a level 3 qualification, equivalent to an AS level in terms of UCAS points. The course is completed in Year 12 with 2 exams taken at the end of the course, with an element of pre-release material issued for both papers. Paper 1 (Compulsory content) Analysis of Data – building upon knowledge from GCSE, you will gain an appreciation of different types of data and sampling techniques. You will be required to choose effective ways to represent and analyze data, suggesting improvements where appropriate. Maths for Personal Finance – arguably the most useful topic that you will study during your time in VI form, this element of the qualification will give you an understanding of how to calculate tax, National Insurance and other salary deductions. Additionally, you will learn about interest rates, loans, and investments as well as savings and mortgages. You will also learn about the effects of inflation and practice budgeting for real-life scenarios. Estimation – students will use Fermi estimation techniques to estimate solutions to real-life problems. Paper 2 (Optional modules) All optional modules contain one element of compulsory content, Critical Analysis of Data, where students will be required to critically analyze data and suggest improvements. Option 1: Statistical Techniques - students will study the normal distribution, including finding probabilities and estimating outcomes, as well as correlation and regression. Option 2: Critical Path Analysis – in addition to critical path analysis, students will study expectation and cost-benefit analysis. Option 3: Graphical Techniques – as well as studying various graphical methods, students will also gain an understanding of rates of change and exponential functions.