Mathematics

Course summary

The A-level course comprises of pure, statistical and mechanical mathematics. The pure content expands upon the algebra, geometry and trigonometry studied at GCSE and introduces new areas of mathematics such as exponentials and logarithms, calculus, and parametric equations. Skill in algebra is particularly important as it underpins all other topics. Mechanical mathematics covers analysing forces, accelerations, and similar ideas to describe what happens in physical situations. Statistical mathematics extends the work done at GCSE to cover ways of analysing and displaying numerical data from small and large data sets, and of drawing conclusions from these. Probability theory becomes a key tool, with new probability distributions being studied. Through the A-level, students will move away from simply following methods towards understanding what they are doing. They will be required to problem solve and to prove. An AS in Further Maths is offered to students in their second year who achieve well in their first-year mathematics exams and wish to study more of the subject.