MATHEMATICS (Edexcel)
Requirements
A Level Mathematics is accepted toward the entrance qualifications of a wide range of courses, and is a requirement for a few. It is also well thought of by many employers. However, it is also important that anyone who starts the course finds some enjoyment in studying the subject.
Most aspects of the GCSE course will be met at a higher level in the A level course though it is particularly important to have a good grasp of the algebra and trigonometry studied at GCSE.
It is expected that those who join the course will have achieved a grade B or above in the Higher tier GCSE course.
Aims
A successful student will develop her ability to reason logically and to analyse problems and apply mathematical methods to solve them. Some of the problems will be set in the context of the ‘real world’, and the technique of mathematical modelling will be explored and used to allow their solution. As the course continues, the relations between the many different techniques first met at GCSE will become clearer, and the unity of the subject will become more apparent.
Structure
Three modules are studied for AS Mathematics, and the final examinations are taken at the end of the first year. In two of these modules (C1 and C2, two Core modules) pure mathematics is studied. These extend the algebra, co-ordinate geometry and trigonometry studied up to GCSE and introduce new topics such as calculus and logarithms.
The third module is an application of mathematics. It is chosen from Statistics, Mechanics or Decision Mathematics. Statistics is used by students of Biology, Geography, Economics and Business Studies, while Mechanics is the application of mathematical methods to specific problems in Physics. The third option is a study of mathematical methods applied in business and related areas. It is a relatively new area of study in mathematics, with much of the original work being done in the twentieth century, though an early problem was solved by Leonhard Euler in the eighteenth century. The final choice will be made after considering the interests and other course choices made by the students.
In the second year, students continuing to the full A Level study two more pure mathematics modules, C3 and C4, which treat the topics from the first year in even more depth. A second application is also studied, normally one which was not taken in the first year.
For further information on the AS syllabus Click here
For further information on the A2 syllabus Click here
Mr M Fraser BSc., BA, MSc., PGCE
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