A-Level Mathematics & Further Mathematics; Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)

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Preparing for Year 12 - Flying Start Tasks

Flying start packs and Bridging worksheets

You can follow the link to the tasks and support materials to help you prepare for A-Level maths. Ensure that you arrive in September confident and fluent in your GCSE maths skills.

Moving from Y12 to Y13 - Summer 2024

Your TEAMS link will become inactive over the holiday period as the system migrates ready for the next academic year, so you will lose access to the files your teachers have previously uploaded. All files can be accessed from "StudentResources"

You can access "StudentResources" via email/Onedrive/SharePoint or follow the information in this document

Get ready for Y13 - A-Level Maths

Get ready for Y13 - FM and A-Level

“The universe cannot be read until we have learnt the language

and become familiar with the characters in which it is written.

It is written in the language of mathematics”

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)

The Key Stage 5 curriculum at NUAST places a heavy emphasis on the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). This means that Mathematics underpins many of the A-Level subjects students choose. ​

A Level - Mathematics

What will I Study?
The new A Level course consists of two Pure Mathematics units, and one Applied Mathematics unit covering both Statistics and Mechanics. A few of the topics from the GCSE higher tier are revisited at A level but, in general, pupils will be studying mostly new topics and a much wider syllabus. Pure Mathematics will consider proof, algebra, co-ordinate geometry, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithems, calculus and functions. In Applied Mathematics, Statistics considers mathematical models in probability and statistics; data presentation and interpretation; statistical distributions and hypothesis testing. Mechanics considers mathematical models; kinematics; forces and Newton's laws and moments. As students progress throughout the two-year course, their mathematical maturity will increase and students will begin to appreciate the beauty and immense power of Mathematics.
The course encourages an understanding of Mathematics and mathematical processes in a way to promote confidence and foster enjoyment. It develops the ability to reason logically, to generalise and to construct sound mathematical proofs.

How will I be assessed?
Syllabus no: Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Mathematics (9MA0)
Each unit is assessed by a 2 hour exam, worth 33.3% of the qualification, taken at the end of Year 13. There is no coursework.

Future opportunities
Students regularly go on to university to read Mathematics alongside variety of other STEM degrees such as: Physics; Natural Sciences; Biomedical Science; Computer Science; Medicine; Chemical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Nuclear Technology; Accounting & Finance.

What are the entry requirements?
A level assumes that pupils will use the mathematical background and expertise developed at GCSE, thus a minimum of a Grade 7 is required 7 at GCSE mathematics. Pupils must be willing to enter into a partnership with their Mathematics teachers in order to share the more extensive knowledge of mathematical ideas and methods. Pupils must have a genuine interest in the subject and appreciate that, in terms of technical skills and understanding, it is quite different from the GCSE course. Pupils will need to have the maturity to take responsibility for their learning and understanding with the support of their Mathematics teachers.

Combinations
Mathematics is one of the oldest academic subjects. It therefore is well respected for university entrance and combines well with other A level subjects, whether they are art, science or language based.

A Level - Further Mathematics

What will I Study?

This course consists of two compulsory and two optional units. It builds on the subject content of A level Mathematics so must be studied alongside A level Mathematics. In the two compulsory Further Pure Mathematics units new and established topics are considered further; for example, complex numbers, matrix algebra, differential equations, Maclaurin and Taylor series. We offer Further Mechanics 1 and Further Statistics 1 as our two optional units. The choice of different option units will be considered by staff and students during the course.

The course extends the range of mathematical skills and techniques learnt. It encourages and develops an understanding of coherence and progression in Mathematics and how different areas of Mathematics can be connected.

How will I be assessed?
Syllabus no: Edexcel Level 3 Advance GCE in Further Mathematics (9FM0)
Each unit is assessed by a 1.5 hour exam, worth 25% of the qualification, taken at the end of Year 13. There is no coursework.

Future opportunities​
Students regularly go on to university to read Mathematics alongside variety of other STEM degrees such as: Physics; Natural Sciences; Biomedical Science; Computer Science; Medicine; Chemical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Nuclear Technology; Accounting & Finance.​ A Level Further Mathematics is a high status qualification for some of the Oxbridge and Russel group universities.

What are the entry requirements?
A level Further Mathematics assumes that pupils will use the mathematical background and expertise developed in A level Mathematics, thus a high degree of motivation and interest is needed. Pupils must have a genuine interest in the subject in order to get the most from the course. A grade 8 or 9 at GCSE is preferred.

Combinations
Further Mathematics can only be undertaken if A level Mathematics has been chosen. It is very well respected for university entrance and combines with any other A level subject.

Further information including the full specification can be found at https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/mathematics-2017.html

Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)

What will I Study?

There is limited new mathematical content from maths at GCSE, with the emphasis lying heavily on recognising the role of mathematics in the real world. With a significant emphasis on statistical techniques, students often select the course to support the mathematical elements in their other subjects such as A levels in Biology, Psychology, Geography, Business, Economics, Sociology or BTEC Applied Science. Study focuses on recognising real life applications of mathematical skills and shared discussions of how to interpret given data. Students explore possible strategies in critical analysis of the information we read in the media. The course should enable you to develop your mathematical modelling, evaluating and reasoning skills. Confidence in personal finance and taxation forms an important aspect of the course and students are encouraged to relate this to their own personal experience and future plans.

How will I be assessed?
Syllabus no: AQA Level 3 Mathematical Studies, Core Maths (1350)
The course is assessed by two 1.5 hour exams, each worth 50% of the qualification, taken at the end of Year 12. There is no coursework.

Future opportunities​
Students going into a huge variety of fields, both at university and in the workplace benefit from having continued their mathematical studies beyond GCSE. Universities have welcomed this qualification as good preparation for degrees studying the biological and social sciences. Employers value the improved mathematical application and problem solving skills that the course promotes.

What are the entry requirements?
Students can be successful in the Core Maths course having studied GCSE at either higher or foundation tier. A grade 5 at GCSE is an important indicator that the student will successfully cope with the demands of the course.

Combinations
The Core maths qualification works well alongside both A levels in Biology, Psychology, Geography, Business, Economics, Sociology and level 3 BTEC qualifications in applied science or engineering.

Further information including the full specification can be found at: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/aqa-certificate/mathematical-studies-1350