Mathematics & Further Mathematics

Mathematics

A Level Mathematics is a demanding course and requires a good grasp of the ideas, concepts and skills developed at IGCSE/GCSE level. It is envisaged that only those students with high IGCSE/GCSE grades would normally benefit from the course. A high level of algebraic dexterity is an essential prerequisite for A Level Mathematics.

During the course students will study both Core and Applied Mathematics and the content will be assessed with 3 two-hour examinations at the end of Year 13.

The syllabus aims to: n Enable students to acquire knowledge and skills with confidence, satisfaction and enjoyment; n Give students experience of mathematical activity and develop resourcefulness in solving problems for which a ready method is not available; n Enable students to apply mathematics and recognise its significance to other disciplines; n Develop students’ understanding of mathematical reasoning; n Provide students with a foundation for the further study of mathematics; n Develop an understanding of the statistics widely used in other disciplines and professions; n Be able to extract and analyse data from a large data set; n Use an advanced calculator to calculate parameters from data.

Further Mathematics

A course of Further Mathematics is also available and this will lead to the acquisition of two A Levels. This should be chosen only by the mathematically very able and it is usual that some study beyond IGCSE/ GCSE higher level has been done.