Advanced Level Mathematics
The Course
The A-level Mathematics courses offered at TBGS are designed to enable students to develop mathematical knowledge and understanding in a way which increases their confidence to solve problems in the real world. Emphasis is placed upon the ability to reason logically, develop mathematical proofs and use mathematics as an effective means of communication. At this level students should expect to experience mathematics as a form of enjoyment in relation to its practical, aesthetic and creative aspects.
Courses on offer:
- Edexcel - Mathematics (either with mechanics or statistics)
- Edexcel - Further Mathematics (with mechanics and statistics)
The Edexcel A-level mathematics syllabus is divided into 6 units, four of which introduce students to the study of 'pure' mathematics, whilst the other two concentrate on an application of mathematics in the field of either mechanics or statistics. Students must choose what their applied option is to be. Additional units are studied for the double A-level award of mathematics and further mathematics.
Pure Mathematics This element of the course involves the continued study of algebra, trigonometry and co-ordinate geometry and introduces students to the new areas of calculus, complex numbers, vectors and approximate numerical methods.
Mechanics Mechanics illustrates the application of mathematics to physical problems. Emphasis is placed on the ability to model a real problem mathematically, solve it, and then interpret the resulting solution back in terms of the original problem.
Statistics Statistics illustrates the application of the concepts of mathematical probability to the drawing of inferences from data. Again emphasis is placed upon experimentation, modelling and the analysis of real data.
The Further Mathematics course is offered with mechanics and statistics as the applied options. The depth of study is, of course, greater than that required for the single subject. In addition to the modelling and interpretative aspects of the subject there is an emphasis on structures and techniques, the ability to develop mathematical arguments, make logical deductions and manipulate mathematical expressions. The course is particularly suitable for those who enjoy their mathematics and wish to accept the challenges it offers to extend them fully. It can assist in applications to any course at a leading university as A-level Further Mathematics is viewed as a top-rate academic qualification. Anyone wishing to study Mathematics further on leaving school is strongly advised to take this course.
Assessment
Assessment of all the units studied is by examination only. Unit examinations take place in the January and June of Years 12 and 13 and may be retaken.
Difference between GCSE and A-level
The subject is studied to a wider degree and to a greater depth than at GCSE level. The approach is more rigorous. Ultimate success depends upon the ability to understand concepts, solve problems independently and to use the language and notation of the subject correctly. There is continued emphasis on the application of mathematics in the scientific and commercial worlds, but the approach is rather more analytical than at GCSE level.
Course Requirement
Students must have achieved at least a GCSE grade A in the subject.
In order to succeed at A Level students need to have the abilities to think clearly and communicate effectively. Perseverance is needed in order to solve problems independently and understand concepts in detail. Students should have a genuine interest in the subject, the motivation to work hard, and the common sense to ask when in difficulty.
Examination Results
The results at A-level over many years have been excellent. Pass rates of 90% and above are the norm for Mathematics A-level, whilst for Further Mathematics the pass rate is always 100%! Many students continue with Mathematics or Mathematics related courses at university, some at Oxford or Cambridge.
Careers and Destinations
The importance of Mathematics in the advancement of many careers cannot be over-stressed. Students continuing with degree courses in science, technology, engineering and business will find a knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques indispensable. There are few fields of administration which do not depend on some form of statistical analysis. Accountancy, banking actuarial work, medicine, computing, architecture, scientific or statistical research and teaching are just some of the careers where Mathematics has a significant part to play.
A degree in Mathematics itself is perhaps the most flexible of all degrees, leaving graduates with an unsurpassed range of opportunities. Mathematics graduates are in greater demand and earn more than those from almost any other degree course.
