Course
Mathematics
Exam Board
Edexcel/Pearson
For more information contact Head of Department:
Mr R Morris - rmorris@stedmunds.org
Brief introduction to subject:
The teaching is shared between two teachers and students should expect up to two hours work per teacher per week, to be completed outside of the lessons. Tasks may be set to consolidate understanding from the lessons, to provide the opportunity to conduct independent research or to make links between the current subject matter and material covered much earlier in the course. The teacher will formally assess one piece of work per week.
This course will build upon GCSE Mathematics knowledge - extending familiar algebraic, spatial and statistical concepts. All students must have at least a high Grade 6 in GCSE Higher Mathematics to start the course but be advised that in order to achieve pass grades you must be able to show competence in the Grade 7/8 GCSE Algebraic techniques. (Evidence of your ability to do this may be sought through the satisfactory completion of a preparatory workbook prior to your acceptance on the course). The mechanics element of the course will benefit students studying Physics and Engineering, whilst the statistics element will benefit those students studying Geography, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Law.
Key points:
- There is no coursework component in this specification, which allows students more time to concentrate on practising their techniques. All units will be examined in the summer.
- Each module has been broken down into smaller sections which make learning more accessible.
- Students have to study Mechanics and Statistics as their applied units.
- Each paper will consist of short (3 or 4 marks) and long questions (up to 16 marks)
- There are 4 Pure Core units which make up two-thirds of the full A level qualification and provide the techniques in Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Calculus that form the fundamental building blocks of the subject.
What our students say
"Teaches you to solve problems and think logically."
"Hard work, but great fun!"
Course Requirements
English - Grade 6
Maths - Good Grade 7 (Higher following 2 year Linear course)
Assessment
Pure Mathematics Two 2 hour papers, each worth 33.3% Applied Mathematics 33.3% One 2 hour paper, split equally between Statistics and Mechanics
Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1
Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2
Content overview
- 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
Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics
Content overview 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
Mathematics can be studied as a subject in its own right or used to support study in other areas. Mathematical competence is a vital component in the physical sciences, technology and business. It is an essential tool for all engineers and is of growing importance in the discipline of Medicine, whilst Law Departments have shown their preference for employing A Level Mathematicians.
Many courses at University will accept students who offer A-level mathematics as they will have shown that they can develop reasoned arguments as well as having the ability to analyse problems and break them into smaller, more manageable tasks.
