Maths

maths Maths - AS/A2

Exam Board: AQA

What is the best way to load a cross-Channel ferry with cars?

How do SatNav systems or the AA’s Route Planner find the quickest route from Anglesey to Birkenhead?

How is Maths used to construct bridges and buildings?

How is Maths used to increase the efficiency of engines?

Is Maths for you?

You must have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including at least a Grade B in GCSE Maths.

You will need to take an initial assessment to determine your suitability for this course. The initial assessment focuses on key algebraic skills from GCSE that you will need to study the AS Maths course.

You should have strong algebraic skills.

You are prepared to carry out approximately 3 hours of independent study a week, in addition to class-based activities.

If you are not ready to start AS Maths upon entry to college you may be able to take a 1 year course (Level 3 Algebra and Statistics) which supports progression onto the AS Maths course the following year.

Learning is offered through lectures, discussion, interactive whiteboard activities, PC software (graphs, spreadsheets, mathematical word processing etc), texts, internet research, mechanics apparatus, videos, audio material. You will engage in class-based and independent learning, making use of our rich and diverse collection of reading, audio and video material. Our innovative online Maths tutorials are also provided to help with your revision.

What will I learn?

AS Year Core 1 & Core 2 Core Maths modules cover topics such as advanced algebra, calculus, trigonometry, co-ordinate geometry and finite and infinite series.

Decision 1 Decision Maths is applied to problems involving networks, linear programming and algorithms.

A2 Year Core 3 You will study a number of topics covered in AS Maths in more depth, including algebra and functions, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, integration and numerical methods.

Core 4

All assessment for this course is through written examination.

At the end of the academic year you will take three examinations - one for each module studied. Your progress towards these examinations is tracked through half term assessments.

What activities can I get involved in?

You will have the opportunity to take part in field trips and workshops as part of the course. Recent visits have included London, Alton Towers and a Mathematical Mystery Tour of Liverpool. You may also have the chance to enter many competitions such as the annual UKMT Maths Challenge and the Liverpool Mathematical Association ‘Pop’ quiz, where the department has scored recent successes.

The College has lots of exciting enrichment and C.V building opportunities including the chance to earn the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, learn a new skill, learn a language, join a club, take up or develop a sport or take on a new challenge. See the College Prospectus for further information about what is on offer.

Where does it lead?

You will cover a number of topics in more detail, including coordinate geometry, sequences and series, as well as vectors.

Statistics 1 Statistics covers such topics as probability, correlation and the Normal Distribution.

This module looks into the use of Statistics for predicting trends, and the reliability of results.

During AS Maths, you will attend three 90 minute lessons per week and will be taught by two teachers. One teacher will teach you the Core 1 and Core 2 modules and the other will teach you the Decision 1 Module. Students who progress onto the A2 course and require high grades for university entry receive four lessons per week during normal college time.

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How will I be assessed?

@BSFC

A-Level Maths provides the bedrock for getting to the heart of numbers, shapes, movement, data and relationships. Advanced Maths is used in many jobs and has clear and obvious associations with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Business Studies, Geography and Computing. Perhaps less apparently it has strong links, both aesthetically and practically with Art, Design, Music, Psychology, Law, Sociology and Sports Studies.

Maths A –Level is a very useful, adaptable qualification. Any Level 3 maths qualification is considered advantageous by both universities and employers. Current government advice is for students to take any level 3 mathematical course if they are capable of doing so.

A Maths degree can lead to a great variety of careers including weather forecasting, computer games programming, in accounting or finance, scientific research design and developments, statistics, environmental science, aircraft design or drugs trial analysis – the list is endless. Maths is also an essential basis for careers in engineering and architecture.

tel: 0151 652 5575 email: enrol@bsfc.ac.uk

bsfc.ac.uk