Why Do Mathematics A Level?
Mathematics is an essential discipline for many subjects at University level and many careers. If you intend to read Science, Medicine, Engineering, Economics or Finance, it is essential that you do Mathematics A Level. Even if you do not intend to read a technical subject, the A Level will signal to employers a degree of intellectual rigour, improving your earning prospects in almost any career.

Mathematics is also one of the most interesting and wide ranging A Levels, covering both Pure Applications such as Calculus and more Applied Applications such as Statistics and Mechanics. It will complement any other A Level.

Requirements
Entry onto the A Level course is by way of a good GCSE grade at the Higher Tier. An equivalent is accepted for students, who have studied under a different system. Most students continue their study into Year 13, to achieve the full A Level qualification.

Modules
The course covers Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. The examination taken is Edexcel. The Pure Mathematics is in the Core modules (C1 – C4 inclusive). The Applied modules are Mechanics (M1) and Statistics (S1). In Year 12, we cover C1, C2 and one of M1 or S1. Either combination, if cashed in, would achieve an AS qualification. In Year 13 we complete the full A Level course by covering C3, C4 and the remaining module from M1 and S1. C1, C2, M1 and S1 are AS units, whilst C3 and C4 are A2 units.

In Years 12 and 13, Mathematics occupies 8 lessons on the timetable. In each year, these are usually in the form of 4 double periods, with the syllabus shared between two teachers. There is one group studying A Level Mathematics in both years.

Module Units Content
Core Mathematics C1
Algebra and functions, coordinate geometry in the xy-plane, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation and integration. C1 does not permit the use of a calculator.

Core Mathematics C2
Algebra and functions, coordinate geometry in the xy-plane, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation and integration.

Core Mathematics C3
Algebra and functions, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, numerical methods and proof.

Core Mathematics C4
Algebra and functions, coordinate geometry in the xy-plane, sequences and series, trigonometry, differentiation, integration and vectors.

Statistics S1
Mathematical models in Probability and Statistics, representation and summary of data, probability, correlation and regression, discrete random variables, discrete distributions, the Normal distribution.

Statistics S2
The Binomial and Poisson Distributions, continuous random variables, continuous distributions, samples and hypothesis testing.

Mechanics M1
Mathematical models in Mechanics, vectors, kinematics of a particle, dynamics of a particle, statics and moments.

None of the modules covered has a coursework component. The usual pattern of examination entry is to wait until the summer to sit the first AS modules. This avoids a break in consecutive study. In Year 13 the main examination period is also the summer, with a few modules taken in January, according to individual need.

Text Books
The text books used are in the 'Heinemann Modular Mathematics' series. The authors are significantly involved with examining the subject. We also use an 'Advanced Maths' book, published by Longman, for additional material. We have an excellent stock of examination papers for revision. Omnigraph is the most commonly used ICT resource.