Maths – A Level

Special Entry Requirements

In addition to the A Level entry requirements you will need at least a grade 7 in GCSE Maths

Subject Intent

Studying A Level Mathematics encourages learners to think and act mathematically, using mathematical skills and forms of communication to analyse situations within mathematics and elsewhere. Mathematics underpins all areas of our lives and studying maths allows students to think logically and break complex problems into smaller steps. The course emphasises how mathematical ideas are interconnected and demonstrates how mathematics can be applied to model situations using algebra and other representations, to help make sense of data, to understand the physical world and to solve problems in a variety of contexts, including social sciences and business.

It provides a thorough grounding in the mathematical tools and techniques often needed in the workplace. The material covered supports the mathematical techniques used in other subjects; Engineering, Physics, Biology and Chemistry. Students of A Level develop vital logical, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Course Introduction

You study mathematics because it is fascinating, challenging and elegant and because it provides skills much in demand for a wide range of careers. Studying maths will help you to develop crucial skills which are highly valued by universities and employers, such as the ability to think logically, solve problems and communicate complex ideas effectively.
In their second year Maths students have the opportunity to be involved in our exchange trip to Östersund, Sweden to study maths collaboratively with Swedish students (and also experience winter sports activities).

Preparing for A Level Maths

We have created a transition pack to show you the kind of work that you will be doing at level 3 and to help you prepare for September.

A Level Maths transition pack

If you have any questions about the course, please email admissions@s6f.org.uk

Course Modules

Year 1
In the first year you will study topics in pure mathematics such as proof, algebra and functions, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, calculus and vectors. You will additionally study topics from both Statistics and Mechanics. Statistics includes statistical sampling, data presentation, probability, statistical distributions and hypothesis testing and Mechanics looks at quantities and units in mechanics, Kinematics (the study of motion), Forces and Newton’s laws

Year 2
In the second year you will continue the study of pure mathematics looking more deeply at topics including proof, algebra, graphs, sequences and series, trigonometry, calculus and numerical methods. You will also continue the study of Statistics, including using the normal distribution and further topics in Mechanics including Newton’s laws and moments.
Calculators are needed and the Casio fx-991CW is highly recommended.