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AS Level The three modules are Core 1, Core 2 (both Pure
Mathematics) and Statistics. Core 1 includes Algebra and Functions, Coordinate geometry,
Sequences and series, Differentiation and Integration. Core 2 includes Further algebra, Circles, Sequences and series,
Trigonometry, Exponentials and logarithms, Applications of differentiation
and integration. Statistics includes Representation and summary of data, Probability,
Correlation and regression, Discrete random variables, the Normal
distribution. Various topics which form part of the Higher GCSE
course occur in these modules, including laws of indices, surds, solution of
quadratic equations, transformation of graphs, the straight line, the sine
and cosine rules, representation and summary of data and probability. This means that there are strong links between
GCSE and AS level so that the course content is not totally unfamiliar. Assessment is by exam only. We use the Edexcel
course. All modules are taken in the summer term and are
1½ hours each. Students must have a grade B or better at GCSE.
They should be confident in the use and manipulation of algebra. Most
importantly they should be prepared to work hard and to ask for help when
they come across difficulties in the course content. It is imperative to keep
up to date and on top of the work taught and set in Mathematics A level.
Those who do this usually do well, but those who don’t often drop the course
without gaining a qualification. |
A2 The three modules are Core 3, Core 4 and
Mechanics. Core 3 includes Functions, Trigonometry, Exponentials and
logarithms, Differentiation and Numerical methods. Core 4 includes Rational functions, Parametric equations, the
Binomial series, Differentiation, Integration and Vectors. Mechanics includes Vectors
in mechanics, Kinematics, Dynamics, Statics and moments. This is the study of particles in equilibrium
(i.e. stationary) and in motion. The Core modules build on the Pure Mathematics learnt
in Year 12. Assessment is by exam only. We use the Edexcel
course. The C3 module is taken in January, C4 and M1 are
taken in the summer term. All module exams are 1½ hours each. |
Progression
A level Mathematics is a relevant field of
study for many further courses including engineering, computing, economics,
medicine, finance and business. Any students thinking of taking a mathematics
degree should take Further Mathematics. This increasingly applies to other
courses involving mathematics at the more competitive universities.
Exam board
Edexcel