Maths and Computer Courses

Mathematics A Level Further Mathematics A Level Statistics A Level Computer Science A Level

Maths and Computer Science Courses Subject Descriptions

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Mathematics A Level When would the course start?

September 2018.

For how long will I study?

For two years.

What is this course about?

This course extends the mathematical skills you have acquired at GCSE. You will learn to apply your skills to solve more complex problems and apply mathematics to real-life situations.

We will teach you how to communicate your mathematics clearly using correct notation and prepare you for degree level study in a mathematical subject.

What topics will I study?

The new A Level mathematics specification includes algebra, calculus, trigonometry, statistics and mechanics.

How will my work be assessed?

This course is assessed by examinations at the end of the two year course. There is no coursework.

You may be assessed for an AS qualification in this course at the end of your first year as a measure of your progress but this will not count towards your final A Level grade.

What skills and knowledge do I need beforehand to succeed?

You will need an interest and aptitude for Mathematics. You will need to build on the knowledge learnt from higher tier Mathematics GCSE. You need to particularly enjoy the algebra you have studied at GCSE. What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

You will further improve your GCSE algebra and trigonometry skills and also learn new techniques. We will help you develop the ability to tackle long, complicated problems in a step-bystep way. You will also need to develop the skill of being able to self-assess your progress and plan independent study.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or A*- C. Individual Level 3 subjects may have further entry requirements and these will be advised to you at your Course Guidance meeting once we receive your application.

What are the lessons like?

This course is designed to ensure a smooth transition from higher tier GCSE Mathematics. You will be introduced to topics in an accessible, relevant and enjoyable way. You will be encouraged to use a graphical calculator and all maths classrooms have interactive whiteboards. You will often work in small groups but also sometimes work independently In addition to lessons there will also be extra support sessions for you to attend and maths teachers are available outside of lesson time for help with homework.

What have I got to do in order to do well?

Be prepared to study the subject in depth on your own in addition to in class. Persevere with problems and ask for assistance when needed. You will need to purchase and use a graphical calculator.

What do students say about this course?

“The teachers are really supportive and will always help if I am stuck on a topic.”

“There is a lot of independent study but it is really useful and the feedback is very helpful.”

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

You can add Further Mathematics A Level if you have at least a grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics. If you are planning

on studying Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or similar disciplines at university then Further Mathematics is strongly recommended. Further Mathematics should be taken as a fourth subject. You can sit the AS Further Maths exams at the end of the first year and then decide whether to continue with the A level.

A Level Statistics is ideally suited for students who enjoy performing calculations and working with numbers but don’t enjoy abstract algebra and trigonometry. Statistics is a particularly good choice for students studying Biology, Psychology, Geography or Physical Education.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

If you are taking Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science or Electronics then we strongly recommend that you also study mathematics.

Many humanities, sciences and business-related subjects have a strong emphasis on maths and therefore it can be useful to study mathematics alongside. For example with Geography, Biology, Physical Education, Business and Psychology.

You can also choose Maths as a sharp contrast to your other subjects to demonstrate that you have a wide range of aptitudes and interests. So combinations with Fine Art or Music or English Literature are not uncommon.

What do people do with A Level Maths?

It is a valuable qualification in many higher education courses including degrees in Mathematics, the Sciences, Engineering, Finance and Computing and Architecture.

Mathematics is also useful for going directly on to training schemes in careers such as Engineering, Accountancy, Insurance, Tax and Finance.

Further Mathematics A Level When would the course start?

September 2018.

For how long will I study?

One year for AS Further Mathematics.

Two years for A Level Further Mathematics.

What is this course about?

In combination with maths this is the double maths course for those who wish to study more mathematics to a higher level. It is particularly useful to those who want to go on to study a degree in a mathematically related discipline. The Further Maths course is more difficult than the Maths one and is therefore suited to those students who are very able mathematicians.

What topics will I study?

The course extends the algebra and trigonometry you will learn in A Level Mathematics and also covers areas such as matrices and complex numbers. You will also study units in mechanics and decision maths.

How will my work be assessed?

The A level course is assessed by examinations at the end of the two year course. There is no coursework.

You may be assessed for an AS qualification in this course at the end of your first year as a measure of your progress but this will not count towards your final A Level grade.

What skills and knowledge do I need beforehand to succeed?

You will need a strong interest and aptitude for mathematics. You will need to spend a lot of time outside of class working on the concepts taught in class so you need good independent study skills. You will need to build on the knowledge learnt from higher tier Mathematics GCSE and will need to be particularly strong at algebra and pick up new mathematical concepts quickly.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

You will further improve your GCSE algebra and trigonometry skills and also learn new techniques. We will help you develop the ability to tackle long, complicated problems in a step-by-step way. You will also need to develop the skill of being able to self-assess your progress and plan independent study.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or A*- C. Individual Level 3 subjects may have further entry requirements and these will be advised to you at your Course Guidance meeting once we receive your application.

What are the lessons like?

The course is designed to be a smooth transition from GCSE Mathematics. Topics will be introduced in an accessible, relevant and enjoyable way. There will be time in class to work with others a practice what you have learned. You will use a mix of textbooks, worksheets and interactive internet resources..

What have I got to do in order to do well?

Be prepared to study the subject in depth on your own in addition to in class. Persevere with problems and ask for assistance when needed.

You will need to purchase and use a graphical calculator.

What do students say about this course?

“The teacher is very helpful and will help you understand the more difficult concepts” “The assignments are hard work but the feedback really helps” “I got extra help with my STEP exam preparation and applications to study maths at university”

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

You must take A Level Mathematics with A Level Further Mathematics.

You should put both courses on your application form.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

We do not recommend that you choose A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics if you are only studying three subjects. Further Mathematics should be your fourth subject in your first year (if you are a strong mathematician you can study further maths as a fourth subject even if you would not automatically meet the college’s general requirements for studying four subjects). You can then choose later whether to continue with A Level Further Mathematics in year 13.

Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Electronics and Biology are the most popular subjects to combine with Mathematics and Further Mathematics. However, students have also combined Mathematics and Further Mathematics with Art, Music, Economics and English.

What do people do with A Level Further Maths?

A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics is an important pair of qualifications if you wish to study Mathematics, Sciences, Engineering or Computing at university.

Many top universities prefer at least AS Further Mathematics to study Maths, Physics or engineering. It also provides the basis for a career as a Mathematics Teacher.

A Level Further Mathematics is also useful for going directly on to competitive training schemes in careers such as Engineering, Accountancy, Insurance, Tax and Finance.

Statistics A Level When would the course start?

September 2018.

For how long will I study?

For two years.

What is this course about?

Using and understanding data is becoming increasingly important in many areas of study and employment. On this course, you will develop the skills of statistical enquiry and practice statistical calculations and interpretation using real-world data and authentic contexts

What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course?

You will need to build on the knowledge learnt from Mathematics GCSE and have a real interest in the use of statistics to make decisions in the modern world. You need to enjoy performing accurate numerical calculations and be able to write clear explanations of your results.

What topics will I study?

This course covers a range of statistical techniques including numerical statistical measures, probability, sampling, hypothesis testing and correlation.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

You will need to purchase and use a graphical calculator and we will teach you how to use it. Most of the numerical calculations are carried out on these calculators. The main skill you will develop is how to plan a statistical investigation and then interpret your results in context.

How will my work be assessed?

This course is assessed by examinations at the end of the two year course. There is no coursework.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or A*- C.

You may be assessed for an AS qualification in this course at the end of your first year as a measure of your progress but this will not count towards your final A Level grade.

Individual Level 3 subjects may have further entry requirements and these will be advised to you at your Course Guidance meeting once we receive your application.

What are the lessons like?

The course is designed to ensure a smooth transition from GCSE Mathematics. You will be taught a range of statistical techniques on the graphical calculator and how to interpret the results in context.

Lessons will involve a mix of group work, individual work from textbooks and online resources. There is a lot of support available for when you find a topic difficult.

What do students say about this course?

“It is useful for other A Level courses that have statistics in them.”

“I found it useful to use the graphic calculator to do something quickly and easily without all those calculations on paper that we had to do for GCSE.” ”I appreciated being shown why the methods worked.”

“I liked being able to relate my conclusions to real life problems.”

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

A Level mathematics is a separate qualification. If you wish to study psychology, geography, PE or social sciences at university then statistics is a good course for you. However, if you are hoping to study mathematics, physics, medicine, chemistry, computer science or engineering at university you should study A Level Mathematics.

If you are expecting to get a grade 5 or 6 in GCSE mathematics then the Statistics course allows you to achieve a high grade in a numerical A level.

This course is ideal for students who enjoy working with numbers but find some of the higher level algebra and trigonometry difficult.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

Many science, humanities and business-related subjects have a strong emphasis on statistics.

Combinations with business, economics, psychology, sociology, biology, and geography are common.

It is possible to study both Mathematics and Statistics but we wouldn’t necessarily advise this. If you apply for both courses this will be discussed at enrolment.

What do people do with A Level Statistics?

It is a useful qualification for higher education courses including biology, biochemistry, geography, psychology, finance, business, physiotherapy or sports science.

Statisticians and data scientists can work in a wide variety of sectors such as healthcare, retail, finance, education and government.

Computer Science A Level When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2018.

• Fundamentals of databases.

• Big Data.

• Fundamentals of functional

For how long will I study?

For two years.

• Systematic approach to problem

programming.

What is this course about?

Computer Science is the study of problem solving and computational thinking. Our modern world is dominated by technology, but computer scientists are more than just hi-tech consumers, they are the people who make it happen and shape our future. Students will learn practical programming skills, how computers actually work and the theory that binds it all together.

Students will be encouraged to think logically and to seek creative solutions to real world problems.

What topics will I study?

• Fundamentals of programming.

• Fundamentals of data structures.

• Fundamentals of algorithms.

• Theory of computation.

• Fundamentals of data representation.

• Fundamentals of computer systems.

• Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture.

• Consequences of uses of computing.

• Fundamentals of communication and networking.

solving.

• Non-exam assessment – the •

computing practical project.

How will my work be assessed?

At the end of the second year students will take two exam papers and submit coursework.

Paper 1 - tests students’ ability to program, as well as theoretical knowledge of computer science.

It is an on-screen exam; 2 hours 30 minutes and worth 40% of A Level.

Paper 2 - tests students’ ability to answer short and extended questions.

It is a written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes and worth 40% of A Level.

Non-exam assessment - assesses students’ ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem. It is worth 20% of A Level.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

Technology evolves at breakneck speed, so to stay ahead students need both enthusiasm and curiosity, and to be capable of experimentation and innovation. There is opportunity,

particularly with the project, to be creative and explore students’ own interests.

A successful student of Computer Science is a tenacious self-starter, prepared to research and investigate unique solutions to complex and diverse problems, in and out of the classroom.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or A*- C. Individual Level 3 subjects may have further entry requirements and these will be advised to you at your Course Guidance meeting once we receive your application.

What are the lessons like?

A mixture of practical programming and underlying theory with a technical or mathematical bias. No prior coding experience is assumed. In lab sessions students’ progress is largely self-paced, with challenging extension work for those who benefit from it. Theory lessons utilise a variety of teaching methods, including whole class, group and pair work, and a range of traditional written material, interactive models and multimedia resources.

What do students say about this course?

“I have enjoyed this course because there is a lot of practical work such as databases and spread sheets along with some theory about how

technology has changed the world. I particularly liked creating an e-book on Dreamweaver as a way of presenting my work.”

“Although it can be very demanding this course has expanded my knowledge of ITC systems which will be very useful in later life: the skills I have learned will be very useful in a number of situations and could well make you more employable. ITC is a subject that continues to grow, and this course will keep you up-to-date.”

What have I got to do in order to do well?

Computer Science is both technically demanding and has a busy, packed syllabus. Students will need to be organised and dedicated to keep pace and a lot of work is expected in students’ own time. Students must be persistent when faced with challenging problems. Most of all students do well when they are excited by technology, keep up-to-date with developments in the media and are inspired to learn something new every single lesson.

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

BTEC Level 3 Information Technology is a similar qualification. BTECs are primarily assessed by coursework with some elements of external assessment (tasks, set tasks). BTEC Information Technology looks at other parts of the digital world such as web site design, computer animation, communication and employability sills for Information Technology.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

Popular combinations may include Mathematics, Statistics and Physics.

What do people do with A Level Computer Science?

There is a huge global demand for IT professionals, with rewarding salaries and excellent prospects and a huge range of opportunities for further studies at universities in the UK and overseas.

As a branch of Science and Maths, computer Science dominates most sectors of society, so while many students become Programmers and Designers, others progress to a diverse range of fields including Medicine, Psychology and Artificial Intelligence, Criminology and Engineering.

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