Mathematics A Level

Entry Requirements: 7 in Mathematics

Course Overview:

The Pure Mathematics content represents two-thirds of the course, and will cover the following topics: Proof, Algebra, Functions, Coordinate Geometry, Sequence and Series, Trigonometry, Exponentials and Logarithms, Calculus (Differentiation and Integration), Numerical Methods, and Vectors.

The remaining one-third of the course covers material related to Statistics and Mechanics. At the end of the two-year course students will sit three externally assessed written examination papers, each lasting for 2 hours. The key aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• understand mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence, fosters enjoyment and provides a strong foundation for progress to further study
• understand how different areas of mathematics are connected and how to apply mathematics in other fields of study • use their mathematical knowledge to make logical and reasoned decisions in solving challenging problems, and represent situations mathematically, understanding the relationship between problems in context and mathematical models that may be applied to solve them
• make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions by using mathematical reasoning, communicating their understanding
• use technology such as calculators and computers effectively and recognise when their use may be inappropriate.

Career Pathways and Higher Education:

The modern world needs mathematicians. Maths and science are required for the continued development of our increasingly technological lives. The UK’s knowledge economy needs more mathematical skills for the financial, communication, transportation sectors and areas like genome modelling etc. Therefore there are a wide range of career options and degrees open to students who have A Level Mathematics, including software professionals, information and communication technology managers, IT strategy and planning professionals, teachers, management consultants, actuaries, economists and statisticians. There are a huge range of degree courses at UK universities for which you would benefit from the study of A-level Mathematics.

For further information on this course, speak with a member of the Mathematics Department at school, or check the A Level specification on the Edexcel website.