Contact : Miss S Nelson	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 Statistics is comprised of two main areas: Pure Mathematics and Statistics.  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.  Statistics is the study of data.  This part of the course will teach you how to critically analyse data and how probability theory can be used to model real life situations.

 

Is this course for me?

In order to take this course you need to have at least a grade B at Higher level GCSE.  In addition to this you should have enthusiasm for the subject and an ability to work hard. This complements the study of Biology and Psychology.

 

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?

“You have not lived till you have done Maths at Charters!”

“Always brings a new challenge”.  

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 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 Calculus and Trigonometry.	Module examination in June of Year 12.
AS Unit 3:  Statistics 1  This module covers how to analyse data, the binomial distribution, probability theory and how to test whether a particular result is significant	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.	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:  Statistics 2 This module introduces you to two more distributions.  It also extends your knowledge of hypothesis testing and teaches you new techniques for testing the validity of results.	Module examination in June of Year 13.