A-Level Mathematics
Why choose A-Level Mathematics?
Mathematics at AS and A level is a course that is well worth studying in its own right. It is both challenging and interesting as it builds on the topics you have met at GCSE and develops the ideas further. It is particularly suited to people who enjoy problem solving, computation and logical reasoning including proof. It is a highly sought after qualification in the workplace and in Higher Education.
At AS level, Mathematics is highly useful support for Physics and other mathematics-based AS and A levels such as sciences, geography, psychology, and sociology. At A level, Mathematics is a much sought after qualification for entry to a wide variety of full time course in Higher Education. There are also many areas of employment that see a Mathematics A level as an important qualification, and it is often a requirement for vocational courses related to these areas. Higher Education courses or careers that list A level Mathematics as essential or highly desirable include:
- Computing
- Finance
- Economics
- Medicine
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Accountancy
- Actuary
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Environmental Studies
and of course Mathematics itself.
Course Outline
We follow the AQA syllabus for Mathematics
Mathematics is offered as a two year course and Further AS mathematics is offered over the two years. AS mathematics consists of three modules and is examined at the end of the first year. Three further modules are studied in the second year to complete the A2 qualification. All Modules are equally weighted.
AS Mathematics (5361) Modules:
Core 1
Core 2
Decision 1
A2 Mathematics (6361) Modules:
Core 3
Core 4
Mechanics 1
Further AS Mathematics (5371) Modules:
Further Pure 1
Further Pure 2
Statistics 1
Examinations
The course is examined via a one and a half hour written examination paper for each module (9 hours in total for AS and A2). The modules carry equal weight and there is no coursework.
AS Mathematics:
Core 1 - January Core 2, Decision 1 - June
A2 Mathematics:
Mechanics 1 - January Core 3, Core 4 - June
Resources and facilities
For information regarding the course go to the official AQA website:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gceasa/mathematics
Click on ‘Specifications' for an outline of the course content.
Click ‘Assessment' for past papers and mark schemes.
For additional resources including interactive tutorials and worked examples, go to:
Each module has its own dedicated text book in the "for AQA" series of SMP AS/A2 mathematics books published by Cambridge University Press
Careers and progression
Students who have successfully completed A level Maths at Samuel Ward include many who have gone on to become accountants, teachers, engineers and various other professions.
In the past 2 years students have progressed to read many subjects including Maths, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering, Business, Geography, English and joint honours Chemistry and French at University.
Several years ago a student studied for a maths degree at Warwick University , trained as an accountant and now works for a firm of accountants. Another student went on to Imperial College , London to read Chemistry and is now completing his Phd there having achieved a 1 st in his degree.
Entry requirements
You will be expected to have achieved at least a grade B at GCSE to start AS Mathematics. If you want to consider Further Maths you should discuss this with your maths teacher. However students will usually have achieved grade A* or A.
Course Results
Results summer 2007
|
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
A2 |
8 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
AS |
4 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
Enquiries
All enquiries regarding this course should be made to J Warner via Samuel Ward Arts and Technology College or email: jwarner@samuelward.suffolk.sch.uk