Contact : Mrs K Hill	Examination Board & Code : OCR (MEI) AS 3895, A2 7895
Length of Course : 2 Years to full A level

   

What is Maths A level about?

Mathematics and Mechanics is comprised of two main areas: Pure Mathematics and Mechanics.  Pure Mathematics is the study of the basic principles of Mathematics that underpin many real life processes.  During this part of the course you will extend your knowledge of such topics as algebra, trigonometry and sequences.  You will also learn new concepts such as calculus.

Mechanics is a practical application of Mathematics. It considers how we can use Mathematics to model real-life situations and how best to solve physical problems.

 

 

Is this course for me?

All students wishing to undertake an A level in Mathematics are required to achieve a grade B at GCSE with a minimum of 300 UMS marks. In addition to this, students will be required to pass the entry level algebra competency test. 

This option complements Physics particularly well.

 

What else do I need to know?

There is the opportunity for Year 12 students to undertake community service.  The Mathematics department also offer a weekly clinic on a Thursday.  This is to support students with their studies.  All pupils are welcome to come along and receive help from a variety of teachers.

 

 

What do other students say?

“Stimulating and challenging” “Maths is very challenging but we thoroughly enjoy it!”

 

Where could it lead?

Mathematics is a highly employable A level to have.  Most students who study Mathematics go on to careers in Engineering, Computer Science and Finance.

 

 

How is this course structured?

All units are of equal weighting.

Unit Content	Unit Assessment
AS Unit 1:  Core Maths 1  This extends your GCSE knowledge of Algebra, Indices and Co-ordinate systems.  It also teaches you how to express your Mathematics correctly.	Module examination in January of Year 12.
AS Unit 2: Core Maths 2 This builds upon the work you did in Core 1.  In this module you begin to look at such topics as Sequences and Series and Trigonometry.  You are also introduced to Calculus.	Module examination in June of Year 12.
AS Unit 3: Mechanics 1 This looks at how to model situations involving velocity, distance and time.  It also considers the motion of projectiles.	Module examination in June of Year 12.
A2 Unit 4: Core Maths 3 This module extends the calculus techniques that you learnt in Core 2.  It also looks at functions and natural logarithms.  You will be required to produce a piece of coursework on numerical methods.	20% coursework.  80% examination in January of Year 13.
A2 Unit 5: Core Maths 4 This module is called Applications of Advanced Mathematics.  The module extends all the topics you have learnt thus far and asks you to apply them in more complex situations.	Module examination in June of Year 13.
A2 Unit 6:  Mechanics 2 This builds on the work you learnt in Mechanics 1.  It considers the forces in frameworks, centres of mass, friction and moments	Module examination in June of Year 13.

 

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