Mathematics

Course summary

People with strong mathematical skills are in demand and if you are enjoying GCSE mathematics, then continuing your studies will earn you a highly respected qualification valued by universities and employers alike. The mathematical and problem-solving skills you will develop on the course will also benefit many other subjects you study alongside – in particular, if you are thinking of studying Physics, Computer Science, Engineering or Chemistry at college, then Mathematics should go with them. The course is split into pure mathematics (two-thirds), mechanics (one-sixth) and statistics (one-sixth). Pure mathematics extends many concepts from GCSE including algebra, functions, graphs, trigonometry, and vectors. It also introduces the new concepts of differentiation (how ‘steep’ a curved graph is) and integration (how much area is enclosed by a graph’s curve). Statistics extends the concepts studied at GCSE and includes much more emphasis on probability, including probability models and hypothesis testing. Mechanics is the study of how objects move and the forces that affect their motion.