Mathematics A level

Students will need to demonstrate an ability to study at least 3 A-level subjects by achieving an average of 38 points over 8 GCSEs with a Grade 4 at least in English and Mathematics. Students should gain a Grade 6 or above in subjects they wish to study at A Level. Points are worked out on the bases that a Grade 9 = 9 points, Grade 8 = 8 points etc.

Please check for subject specific requirements.

Please note, our preferred method of application is via https://wymondhamhigh.applicaa.com/year12

A-LEVEL MATHEMATICS MATCHES WELL with a variety of subjects whilst being extremely relevant and useful in its own right. At this level, Mathematics is not only about extending the range of techniques commonly associated with the subject.
Creative thinking is of great importance in order to break down complex problems into logical, manageable steps. This is a valuable skill in all areas of life and Mathematics A-level is highly regarded by all universities and employers. Interactive whiteboards, software and laptops are used in the classroom to help students forge visual links between algebra, geometry, data and graphing.

CONTENT

Year 12: Component 01
Assesses content from Pure Mathematics and Statistics through a 1 hour 30 minutes written paper (with calculator) which is worth 25%.
Year 12: Component 02
Assesses content from Pure Mathematics and Mechanics through a 1 hour 30 minutes written paper (with calculator) which is worth 25%.

The Year 12 course covers:
Pure Mathematics: Proof; Algebra & Functions; Coordinate Geometry; Sequences & series; Trigonometry; Exponentials & Logarithms; Differentiation & Integration; Vectors.
Statistics: Statistical sampling; Presentation & interpretation of data; Probability; Statistical Distributions; Hypothesis testing.
Mechanics: Vectors; Quantities & units used in Mechanics; Kinematics; Forces & Newton’s laws.

Year 13: Component 01 Assesses content from Pure Mathematics through a 2 hour written paper (with calculator) which is worth 16.67%
Year 13: Component 02
Assesses content from Pure Mathematics and Statistics through a 2 hour written paper (with calculator) which is worth 16.67%
Year 13: Component 03
Assesses content from Pure Mathematics and Mechanics through a 2 hour written paper (with calculator) which is worth 16.67%
The Year 13 course covers:
Pure Mathematics: Numerical Methods will be covered in addition to further extension of the topics listed under the Year 12 content.
Statistics: Further extension of the topics listed under the Year 12 course.
Mechanics: Moments will be covered in addition to further extension of the topics listed under the Year 12 content.

CORE SKILLS
In addition to learning skills in Pure Mathematics in the Core modules, students will learn to model and solve ‘real world’ problems in the Statistics and Mechanics modules. They will develop an understanding of coherence and progression in Mathematics, see how different areas of the subject are connected and increase their awareness of the relevance of Mathematics to other fields of study.

ENRICHMENT
Our A-level Maths students often perform very well in the Senior Maths Challenge which tests strategic thinking and problem solving rather than curriculum content. The Team Challenge also enables a group of students to compete against other schools at regional and national events.

A university taster day in the summer term allows Year 12 students to experience the nature of higher education in Mathematics.

A grade 7 or above at GCSE Mathematics is required to realistically make a success of this course. Students achieving grade 6 at GCSE Mathematics are more suited to the new ‘Core Maths’ qualification.

Mathematics is a requirement for many careers and university courses. Virtually every science, engineering or design course beyond A-level has a mathematical content, often a very substantial one. Many of the Arts and Social Science courses such as Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, Architecture, Geography, Geology, Psychology and Sociology contain elements for which Mathematics would be very useful, though not always essential, and for these courses the new ‘Core Maths’ qualification could be a more suitable option; check University websites for specific course requirements. There are many courses beyond A-level that link Mathematics with other subject areas, such as ‘mathematics with philosophy’. A-level Mathematics is highly regarded by all employers due to the ability shown to solve complex problems using logical argument and strategy; these are the skills used and needed for example by lawyers!