A Level Mathematics
A Level Mathematics is a challenging and immensely rewarding course, in which you will be able to take pride in your ability to problem solve, appreciate the applications of modelling techniques and wonder at the complexities of calculus.
In each of years 12 and 13 you will be taught by two teachers, each offering their own unique blend of experience, support, practical knowledge and skills. In the classroom, you will be introduced to the necessary skills and techniques needed to succeed in Mathematics. In your own study time you will be set regular tasks to complete, including written assignments, online tasks, and frequent exam paper practice. Each topic of work covered will be assessed with a summative test, and additional support will be readily available to ensure that high standards are maintained in all areas of the course.
A level Mathematics is one of St Crispin’s most successful subjects, with over 70% of students typically achieving A* to B grade in their A level each year. We firmly believe that our exemplary teaching methods, our rigorous monitoring of student progress and our ‘open door’ support policy will continue to produce excellent mathematicians for the future.
Year 12 – AQA A Level Mathematics (7357) – Reformed
You will study a two year course which covers Core Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, studying them both as specific skills to be mastered and as topics that can be linked through functional questions and problem solving tasks.
Core Mathematics
The Core Mathematics section of the course continues from the algebra and trigonometry within the Higher GCSE course. Topics covered will include:
Proof
Algebra and Functions
Coordinate Geometry
Sequences and Series
Trigonometry
Exponential and Logarithms
Differentiation
Integration
Numerical Methods
Vectors
Mechanics
This applied Mathematics unit will develop many of the concepts already encountered in GCSE Physics. Topics covered will include:
Quantities and Units used in Mechanics
Kinematics
Forces and Newton’s laws
Moments
Statistics
This applied Mathematics unit will develop many of the concepts already encountered in the data handling units of GCSE course. Topics covered will include:
Statistical Sampling
Data Presentation and Interpretation
Probability
Statistical Distributions
Statistical Hypothesis Testing
In accordance with AQA guidance, students will spend time working with a large data set, knowledge of which will be examined as part of the final examinations.
Calculators
It is a requirement of the reformed A level course that students are expected to use the new style calculators, such as the Casio Class-Wiz FX-991EX (pictured). Students will need to be in possession of this for the start of Year 12. They are available from the usual stockists or may be purchased from Mrs Prince.
Examination board
AQA Mathematics (7357)
For full details of the course specification please follow the link below.
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/as-and-a-level/mathematics-7357
Assessment
Three written papers; each of two hours, all taken in the summer term of year 13
Year 13 – AQA A Level Mathematics (6360) – Unreformed
You will study these three, equally weighted, modules over the year, based on core and applied mathematical skills.
A2 Core Mathematics 3
This unit will cover the domain, range and inverse of a function, the modulus function, combining transformations of graphs, inverse and reciprocal trigonometric functions, exponential and logarithmic graphs, differentiation and integration of trigonometric functions, differentiation using the chain, product and quotient rules, integration by substitution, by parts and by the use of standard integrals, volumes of revolution, iterative methods, the mid-ordinate rule and Simpson’s rule.
A2 Core Mathematics 4
This unit will cover algebraic division, partial fractions, parametric equations, binomial expansions, trigonometric addition and double angle formulae, exponential growth and decay, differential equations, vectors in two and three dimensions and the vector equation of a straight line.
A2 Statistics 1
This applied Mathematics unit will develop many of the concepts already encountered in GCSE Mathematics or statistics. The topics covered will include standard deviation, the laws of probability, the binomial distribution, the normal distribution, the use of unbiased estimators, confidence intervals, the product moment correlation coefficient, least squares regression and the interpretation of residuals.
Examination board
AQA Mathematics (6360)
For full details of the course specification please follow the link below.
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/a-level/mathematics-6360
Assessment
- A2: Three written papers; each of ninety minutes, all taken in the summer term
Requirements
To study A level Mathematics students are required to have achieved a minimum of grade 7 at GCSE
Future Opportunities
Mathematics A level is highly respected by universities and employers, and is required for a wide range of courses and careers such as accountancy, market research, games design, logistics, telecommunications and finance. University courses in Physics, Engineering and Computer Science often require an A level in Mathematics.
If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to email Mrs Bauwens, the head of key stage 5 Mathematics, on bauwensa@crispins.co.uk.
