Mathematics

Course summary

Why study Mathematics at William Farr? Mathematics is a very useful tool that is utilised in a wide range of other subjects and future careers. It provides a toolkit of skills for the Sciences, statistical analysis for subjects where research is important, and helps business and people in the wider world make better informed decisions. It is also, however, a powerful and interesting subject that will challenge your thinking and develop your ability to problem solve and deliver a clear and reasoned mathematical argument. It is the most popular A Level to study in the UK for good reason! What will you study? Students study Pure Mathematics (2/3), and Applied Mathematics(1/3). Pure Mathematics includes work on proof, graphing, functions, coordinate geometry, calculus, vectors and logarithm to name a few. Applied Mathematics involved Statistics and Mechanics. Statistics models situations mathematically and is used to solve real life problems through numerical analysis and applications of probability theory. This includes statistical sampling; data representation and interpretation; probability; statistical distributions; and hypothesis testing. Mechanics has some links with Physics and looks at the physical world – how objects move and the forces that act upon them. Real life situations are modelled mathematically and problems are solved through application of the algebraic techniques from Pure Mathematics. This includes topics such as: kinematics; forces and Newton’s Laws; and moments. Students will sit three 2 hour examinations at the end of the course. Mathematics teaches transferable skills that all employers value, such as attention to detail, decision-making, dealing with abstract concepts, logical thinking, investigation and analysis of data and using information technology.