Overview
The Mathematics Department believes that Mathematics can be a rewarding and enjoyable challenge, and we deliver the National Curriculum with this in mind. At the heart of what we do, there is the belief that all students can enjoy Maths and all students can achieve well. Depth of mathematical understanding pervades the entire curriculum, through mastery of Maths at Key Stage 3, development of problem-solving at Key Stage 4, and strong mathematical approaches and communication at Key Stage 5.
The Mathematics Department has a strong commitment to ensuring that all students are taught to understand and make use of real-life information. Students are encouraged to absorb new ideas, cope with ambiguity and solve unconventional problems. It is these skills and not just the skill of calculation that makes Mathematics a prerequisite for so many careers.
Key Stage 4 GCSE. Years 10-11
Course Content
In Key Stage 4 Mathematics, all students study the four attainment targets of:
- Using and applying Mathematics
- Number and algebra
- Shape, space and measures
- Handling data
- To promote fun within Mathematics, some students will have the opportunity to enter the UK Mathematics Challenge competitions.
Exam Board – EDEXCEL
Final Grade – Grades 1-9
Structure of Assessment
Three equally weighted papers sat at the end of Year 11.
- 1 Non-Calculator Paper (33%, 1 hour 30 minutes)
- 2 Calculator Papers (33% each, 1 hour 30 minutes each)
The majority of students will be expected to do higher tier, which covers grades 4 – 9.
On regular assessment, it may be more appropriate for some students to sit the foundation tier, which covers grades 1 – 5.
Key Stage 5 A Level. Years 12-13
Maths
Examination 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 the 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
Further Maths
Examination Board: OCR (A)
Link to Specification: Click here.
Course Content
The Further Pure content covers complex numbers, matrices, vectors, other coordinate systems, series, proof by induction. Students will also be learning Further Statistics and Further Mechanics, which extends the ideas presented in Maths A-level.
Skills Gained from Taking this Course
By studying Further Mathematics, pupils gain a broader and more in-depth knowledge of a variety of fields of Mathematics.
In addition, students learn highly transferable skills such as logic, independent thought and problem-solving.
Wherever possible pupils apply their knowledge to real-world problems. Further Mathematics is highly regarded by universities and future employers, and any student considering applying for courses with a high mathematical content (such as Physics or Engineering) and/or competitive entry, will be at an advantage if they were to choose Further Mathematics as an A Level option.
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 8 on the Higher Tier Mathematics GCSE and grade 7 in one science GCSE.
PLUS
Students wishing to study Further Maths must also be taking Maths A-Level.
Entry Suggestions
If a student is planning to take Further Maths, confidence with their algebraic skills at grade 7-9 level is even more important. You must also have a genuine enthusiasm for the subject – it will form half of your load of AS level study. Some strong students however, can be liable to underestimate their skills and assume that you can only take Further Maths if you are a genius. Again, if you are in doubt, your teachers are best placed to advise them on whether you are likely to be able to do well in the subject.
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.
Resources Needed for this Course:
None
