Why should I study A Level Maths?

Mathematics is everywhere around us. Flight, medicine and computing are all areas which rely on the use of and study of numbers.

The skills of a mathematician are transferable. Rational and logical thought are not just valuable within a maths classroom. The high-level skills required to comprehend complex mathematical processes are required in many different areas hence employability of mathematicians is often better paid and more permanent than in many other fields.

Students are well-supported within the maths department through our homework club, and are provided with many online materials to support their learning.

The use of technology permeates the study of A Level Mathematics and students are supported by learning how to use technology such as the graphics calculator within lessons.

Studying this subject will enable you to:

• Extend your range of mathematical skills and techniques.
• Use mathematical knowledge to make logical and reasoned decisions in solving problems in a variety of contexts.
• Apply mathematics in other fields of study and be aware of the relevance of mathematics to the world of work and to situations in society in general.
• Communicate your mathematical understanding to others.
• Use technology such as calculators and computers effectively and recognise when their use may be appropriate.

Course Specification

The course is split into Pure Mathematics (examined by two papers) and Statistics and Mechanics (examined by one paper).

Pure Mathematics content

Topic 1 – Proof

Topic 2 – Algebra and functions

Topic 3 – Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane

Topic 4 – Sequences and series

Topic 5 – Trigonometry

Topic 6 – Exponentials and logarithms

Topic 7 – Differentiation

Topic 8 – Integration

Topic 9 – Numerical methods

Topic 10 – Vectors

Any topic from the Pure Mathematics content may appear on either Paper 1 or Paper 2.

Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics

Section A: Statistics

Topic 1 – Statistical sampling

Topic 2 – Data presentation and interpretation

Topic 3 – Probability

Topic 4 – Statistical distributions

Topic 5 – Statistical hypothesis testing

Section B: Mechanics

Topic 6 – Quantities and units in mechanics

Topic 7 – Kinematics

Topic 8 – Forces and Newton’s laws

Topic 9 – Moments

Students should be confident in the following topics:

• Factorising
• Quadratic graphs
• Straight line graphs
• Trigonometry (including sine and cosine rules)
• Simultaneous Equations
• Inequalities
• Indices and Surds

Resources

• Calculators may be used in all examinations. 
• We recommend use of a graphics calculator, which can be purchased through the college.

Examining Board Information

Board: Pearson Edexcel

Course Code: 9MA0

Click the image on the right to download the full course specification. 

Widening Horizons

Students are encouraged to broaden their horizons outside the classroom by participating in maths challenges.

Senior Maths Challenge

Every October, we give students the opportunity to take part in the Senior Maths Challenge. This is an opportunity to utilise mathematical reasoning and fluency in using the basic mathematical techniques learned in lessons to apply and solve unique and interesting questions in a 90 minute challenge.

“A bit of fun” - Leonard A, Year 13

Online Courses

Opportunities also arise to register and take part in online courses such as COMPOS  (Comprehensive Oxford Mathematics and Physics Online School) run in conjunction with Oxford University and the AMSP Problem Solving Matters Course.

This is a course designed for Year 12 students interested in applying for places at University to study maths, or students who wish to improve their mathematical problem-solving skills in preparation for a university course.

“Push yourself beyond your limits” - Paul W, Year 13

Maths Homework Club
All A Level students are encouraged to attend the College Homework Club that runs every Monday and Wednesday after school.  Attendance gives students a fantastic opportunity to build on the work done in class and ask additional questions to support their learning, or to extend their understanding by attempting more problem-solving questions.  Current students have all emphasised how much having maths teachers on hand to ask individual questions really helps build their confidence, and students also get a lot out of working with, and helping, each other.

Paired Maths Scheme

We also encourage you to help the Maths department in supporting Key Stage 3 students in their classes and through our paired maths scheme. This is where you will help a student in Year 7, 8 or 9 to develop their maths skills, which is a worthwhile coaching opportunity for you.

What advice do current A Level Maths students suggest?

• Make use of all resources given, like the topic based booklets
• Attend after school club (it’s basically free tuition)
• Make sure that if you don’t understand what is going on that you ask – the course moves really fast, so you will fall behind if you don’t
• Learn indices
• Keep up to date with homework – they’re all past exam questions
• Never miss a lesson!

Assessment Format

Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1

Written examination (2 hrs).   This paper may contain questions on any topics from the Pure Mathematics content.

It is worth 33.3% of the overall marks for this qualification.

Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2

Written examination (2 hrs).  This paper may contain questions on any topics from the Pure Mathematics content.

It is worth 33.3% of the overall marks for this qualification.  

Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics

Written examination (2 hrs).  This paper will contain questions on topics from the Statistics content in Section A and Mechanics content in Section B. 

It is worth 33.3% of the overall marks for this qualification.

Course Entry Requirements

This course requires a Grade 7 or above in GCSE Mathematics (Higher Tier). The course is not suitable for a student who has followed the Foundation Tier at GCSE.

 

Employability Skills

Employability Skills are essential skills, personal qualities and values that will enable you to thrive in any workplace. Along with good technical understanding and subject knowledge, employers often outline a set of skills that they want from an employee.

This course will help you to develop the following employability skills:

• Ability to think and reason logically
• Individual problem-solving
• Awareness of the relevance of mathematics
• An understanding of basic maths principles
• Working with others to solve problems

Next Steps

This is one of the most widely accepted and respected subject choices by universities and is one of the facilitating subjects.  It may be a requirement for entry on to some degree courses such as Engineering, Physics, Actuarial Science, Economics and, of course, Maths. A Level Mathematics may be useful for careers in Bookkeeping, Accountancy, Banking and Finance and also Teaching.

 

10 Possible Careers

• Actuary
• Aeronautical Engineer
• Banker
• Chartered Accountant
• Data Analyst
• Insurance Analyst
• Investment Analyst
• Research Scientist (Maths)
• Secondary School Teacher
• Statistical Programmer

Student Profile: Zak

Zak's subjects

BTEC Applied Human Biology

A Level Economics

A Level Mathematics

Core Sport

I would like to achieve A* in all my subjects and go on to take a degree-level apprenticeship in Finance. Warlingham provides the necessary learning resources and extra-curricular activities to help develop my understanding. Going to Mathematics Club after school has impacted on my learning experience, as have the workshops during Aim Higher week.