Mathematics

STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR MATHEMATICS AND FURTHER MATHEMATICS

Mathematics students at Charters School will be equipped to deal with the mathematics they will encounter in everyday life. Students will be encouraged to be independent learners, and to develop the confidence and resilience to try different approaches in order to reach a solution. They will be analytical, logical and able to think critically, while developing the mathematical literacy needed to interpret problems and present their ideas coherently.

SUMMARY OF CURRICULUM: MATHEMATICS

The course provides opportunities to develop skills in working with mathematical information, as well thinking logically and independently. There are three overarching themes which are inherent throughout the course. These include mathematical argument and proof; mathematical problem solving and mathematical modelling. Students are required to develop skills in these areas, working scientifically throughout both the pure and applied areas of the course.

COURSE DETAILS

The course is assessed by three papers at the end of Year 13. Papers 1 and 2 are Pure Mathematics and paper 3 is Applied Mathematics (Statistics and Mechanics). Each paper is 2 hours and has 100 marks available. All papers are evenly weighted. Calculators are a requirement for all papers.

COMPLEMENTARY SUBJECTS

Mathematical and statistical problem solving, data analysis and interpretation skills are all developed through the study of A-level Mathematics and are considered valuable in a broad range of subject areas including any of the sciences, geography, psychology, pe.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

Mathematics allows you to analyse patterns, structures and problems, which will in turn, help you to develop a critical eye. This will be useful in both further study and future careers. Finally, your logical abilities will be developed so that you will have tools needed to tackle a number of diverse areas, from managing your finances to planning projects.

BE INSPIRED BY EXPLORING FURTHER

Throughout history different mathematicians have approached problem solving in different ways. That is what makes Maths such an inspiring subject. e.g. https://youtu.be/LN--erHStqA

Or perhaps a more “appealing” watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3tdW9l1690

Problem solving activities: Maths Feast materials | AMSP

If you wanted to do a bit of mathematical related reading (in no particular order):

• Why do Buses Come in Threes? (Rob Eastaway/Jeremy Wyndham)

• Professor Stewart’s Hoard of Mathematical Treasures (Ian Stewart)

• The Hidden Mathematics of Sport (Rob Eastaway/John Haigh)

UKMT Challenge tasks Senior Mathematical Challenge archive | UK Mathematics Trust (ukmt.org.uk)