Use of maths

use of maths Use of Maths - AS

Exam Board: AQA

How can mathematical techniques be used to work out the probability of events occurring?

How can ICT be used in Maths effectively?

How is Maths useful to the other A-Level subjects you are studying?

Is Use of Maths for you? • You must have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including at least a Grade C in GCSE Maths. You must have studied the higher tier Maths GCSE syllabus at school. An initial induction assessment set by the Maths department will help decide your suitability for the course. • You want to study Maths further, to underpin other areas of study (e.g. Sciences, Geography, Social Sciences), but do not wish to take a traditional Maths qualification.

You have enjoyed studying Maths at GCSE and are keen to be challenged further by the subject.

You enjoy studying topics which have obvious associations with Science subjects, Economics, Business Studies, Geography and Computing.

What will I learn?

AS Year Working with Algebraic and Graphical Techniques This unit has been developed to allow you to demonstrate your use of algebra, functions and graphs to analyse, make sense of and describe real situations and solve problems.

You will model your own data with appropriate functions and investigate functions commonly used to model real situations.

We aim to deliver the course through a wide range of intellectual activities with opportunities for practical application. 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.

Innovative online Maths tutorials are also provided to help with your revision.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through written exam (50%) and through a portfolio you will compile throughout the course, which will be assessed by the exam board.

Applying Mathematics You will extend your use of mathematics in the areas of algebra, functions and graphs and you will learn some new maths to develop models of situations using simulations and recurrence relations.

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.

Using and Applying Statistics

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.

You will develop a critical approach to the use of networks when used to describe and make sense of the world.

You will learn about algorithms and develop an understanding of key ideas about modelling real world situations.

Where does it lead?

Studying Maths at A-Level 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.

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