The emphasis of this course is on using and applying Mathematics. The AS specification has been selected to develop abilities to reason logically, and to understand the relationship between ‘real world’ problems and mathematical models.

The A2 specification extends students’ range of mathematical skills and techniques and uses them in more difficult unstructured problems. Students will develop an awareness of the relevance of Mathematics to other fields of study, to the world of work, and to society in general.

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AS Level (year 1)

Unit 1: Pure Mathematics A (25%)
Algebra, vectors, differentiation, integration, logarithms, circle geometry. 

Unit 2: Applied Mathematics A (15%)
Statistics: discrete distributions including Poisson and Binomial, statistical sampling and data presentation.
Mechanics: kinematics, forces, and Newton’s Laws.

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A2 Level (year 2)

Unit 3: Pure Mathematics B (35%)
Numerical methods, trigonometry, sequences and series and coordinate geometry.

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Unit 4: Applied Mathematics B (25%)
Statistics: hypothesis testing, continuous distributions and probability.
Mechanics: applications of trigonometry and integration, moments, forces and vectors.

There are two written papers in May or June of both Year 12 and Year 13.

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Mathematics provides a useful route into many careers. The ability to think logically and be able to solve problems are highly valued skills in the work place. Mathematics is now a requirement for a number of university courses and is also an advantage for many subjects including: actuarial work and insurance; economics and business; management, finance, and accountancy; computer science and ICT; medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy; genetic engineering and physics; social sciences; and law.

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Some students may take Double Mathematics where they complete the whole of A Level Maths in the first year, having twice the usual amount of lessons with the four written papers at the end of Year 12. 

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Any student who is planning to take a Mathematics related degree (Engineering, Sciences, Computing, Finance/Economics, etc., as well as Mathematics itself) will benefit enormously from taking Further Mathematics, at least to AS level. Further Mathematics qualifications are prestigious and are strongly welcomed by universities. 

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Each student is strongly recommended to purchase a graphical calculator; the models which are most appropriate to the course will be communicated to students by the teacher at the start of the year.