About this subjectExamination Board: Edexcel
Units Taken: Two Pure papers and one Applied paper
Link to Specification: Click here.
Course Content
The Pure content in Mathematics covers co-ordinate geometry, surds and indices, quadratics, transformations of graphs, sequences and series, differentiation and integration, exponentials and logarithms and trigonometry. In Year 2, we look at more advanced functions, differentiation and integration, as well as vectors and proof
In the Applied content, students study both Statistics and Mechanics. The Statistics includes organising and summarising data, linear regression and correlation, discrete random variables and probability, including the Normal and binomial distribution, and has a heavy focus on interpretation of data. In Mechanics, pupils learn about vectors, kinematics, statics and dynamics of a particle and moments.
Skills Gained from Taking this Course
Studying Mathematics at A Level allows students to explore in more depth the topics studied at GCSE.
There is a strong emphasis on algebra. Students learn highly transferable skills such as logic, independent thought and problem solving.
Wherever possible pupils apply their knowledge to real-world problems. Mathematics is highly regarded by universities and future employers.
St Marylebone Entry Requirements
To gain entry into the sixth form at St Marylebone School, students must gain a minimum of five 9-6 grades at GCSE and a 5 grade in English and Maths GCSE.
Subject Specific Entry Requirements
Grade 7 in Maths GCSE and grade 6 in one Science GCSE.
Entry Suggestions
For success at A level, it is essential that they are confident with grade 7-9 algebra skills (see other sheet). If they achieve a 7 through hard work on other topics, but are lacking in their algebraic skills, they will be found out very quickly at A level.
Students taking A level Maths need to enjoy being challenged by new problems, and mastering each new skill that they encounter. The AS level course requires a much higher level of mastery than the GCSE course in order to achieve an A (i.e. you need to be confident with the whole course, not just large parts of it).
All students should pay attention to their teacher’s advice about whether they are well prepared to take A level Maths, and what they would need to do for a chance of success if not. We are very rarely wrong in our assessments of who is likely to struggle with the course, and this judgement can vary significantly from one student to another, even when they have the same GCSE grades.
Strong students who are potentially considering degrees in disciplines such as Maths, Physics, Economics or Engineering at University are strongly advised to research university course requirements at this point. Students sometimes decide not to take Further Maths at A level because they are finding it difficult to choose between subjects, but realise too late that Further Maths is becoming a much stronger expectation for such courses at good universities.
Students are recommended to complete the Head Start to A-Level Maths book, available from CGP.
If you are made an offer, you will be expected to complete the following before your first lesson in September:
Go back over all Number and Algebra in A* GCSE. Expect an email from the school containing preparation materials. Also visit the following website that has resources: http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mepres/step-up/default.htm
Preparing for Yr 12 – 2020
Maths – Preparing for A-Level Mathematics 2020
Resources Needed for this Course:
None