Mathematics

For entry into the Sixth Form to study 3 A' Levels, students are required to achieve 5 grades at 9-5 (or where applicable A*-C) including English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above.

In exceptional cases, students that do not reach the entry criteria based on their attainment in English or mathematics will be admitted to the 6th form with the addition of GCSE retake classes in the appropriate subject to their timetable. This based on 6th form discretion.

While we would encourage students to study 3 A levels, in exceptional cases and following conversation at interview we may support a student to study 4. All students will have the option to study for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A levels.

A grade 6 is recommended in any subject that a student wishes to continue at A Level. Students are welcome to discuss entry criteria for specific subjects and to ensure that their subject choices match their goals and aspirations.

Students wishing to study Mathematics require a grade 6 and in Further Maths require a Grade 7 in the subject at GCSE.

This course is for those students with a keen interest in Maths and problem solving. Maths will help support your studies in the natural and social sciences. There is content to learn and practice to apply to questions and proofs. Consequently, you should be able to use your interpretive and modelling skills to relate what you have learnt to the world around you.

Course details: Yr. 12
Pure : Pure Maths builds on and develops the techniques studied at GCSE to provide you with the fluency required in later modules. There will be some familiar topics from GCSE that we will build on such as; algebra, coordinate geometry, indices, vectors and trigonometry. There will be plenty of topics that will be new to you like; calculus, series, numerical methods and logarithms.
Statistics : Statistics is an application module that involves developing data handling and sampling techniques. We also study simple probability models and looks at the ideas behind hypothesis testing. So you will see some GCSE topics like probability trees and histograms but also learn some new topics like the normal distribution.

Course details: Yr. 13
Pure : Pure in y13 develops methods for advanced mathematics. This module concentrates mainly on calculus techniques but you also develop knowledge of logarithms and functions. We will continue to develop all the skills of pure mathematics. It includes work on the binomial expansion, trigonometry, parametric equations, vectors and calculus.
Mechanics : Mechanics is an application module that models situations involving kinematics, statics and dynamics and helps you to appreciate the limitations of their models. Newton’s laws of motion and the motion of a projectile form the focus for the module.

To complete an A Level in this subject it is necessary to achieve a Grade 6 at GCSE, although we strongly advise that students should be looking at achieving at least a Grade 7 at GCSE to have a secure platform for entry on to the course.

Mathematical skills are in great demand at present, and if you have mathematical qualifications you can expect excellent employment prospects. Maths is a prerequisite for many university courses; Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Medicine, Economics, Business, Accountancy and of course Maths! It is highly desirable for many more.