Mathematics
STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR MATHEMATICS
Mathematics students at Charters School will be equipped to deal with the mathematics they will encounter in everyday life. Students will be encouraged to be independent learners, and to develop the confidence and resilience to try different approaches in order to reach a solution. They will be analytical, logical and able to think critically, while developing the mathematical literacy needed to interpret problems and present their ideas coherently.
This means our students will be able to:
- Explain the reasoning behind mathematical processes, and incorporate problems which require students to demonstrate their understanding of the topic as well as their ability to apply the method
- Present challenges during lessons which require resilience and analytical thinking
- Model appropriate mathematical vocabulary and encourage mathematical literacy so students can correctly express their understandings
- Provide opportunities to work independently both during and out of lessons
- Interlink topics within the Mathematics curriculum and emphasise the mathematical links to different subject areas to ensure effective reinforcement of skills learnt.
SUMMARY OF CURRICULUM
The course provides opportunities to develop skills in working with mathematical information, as well as thinking logically and independently. There are three overarching themes which are inherent throughout the course. These include mathematical argument and proof; mathematical problem solving and mathematical modelling. Students are required to develop skills in these areas, working scientifically throughout both the pure and applied areas of the course.
COURSE DETAILS
The course is assessed by three papers at the end of Year 13. Papers 1 and 2 are Pure Mathematics and paper 3 is Applied Mathematics (Statistics and Mechanics). Each paper is 2 hours and has 100 marks available. Three papers are evenly weighted but paper 3 is split equally between Statistics and Mechanics. Calculators are a requirement for all papers
KEY STAGE 5 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The minimum entry requirements for Charters Sixth Form can be viewed here
EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL
BE INSPIRED
Take a look around the links below to find our where this exciting subject could lead.
Complementary Subjects
Mathematical and statistical problem solving, data analysis and interpretation skills are all developed through the study of A-level Mathematics and are considered valuable in a broad range of subject areas including any of the Sciences, Geography, Psychology, PE.
Future Opportunities
Mathematics allows you to analyse patterns, structures and problems, which will in turn, help you to develop a critical eye. This will be useful in both further study and future careers. Finally, your logical abilities will be developed so that you will have tools needed to tackle a number of diverse areas, from managing your finances to planning projects.
Be Inspired by Exploring Further
PODCASTS
Newton vs Leibniz (feat. Hannah Fry) - Objectivity 190​ - Featuring mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry
A Strange Map Projection (Euler Spiral) - Numberphile - Featuring Hannah Fry
WEBSITES
Maths Feast materials | AMSP - Problem solving activities
UKMT Maths Chllenge - Senior Mathematical Challenge archive
BOOKS
Why do Buses Come in Threes? by Rob Eastaway and Jeremy Wyndham
Why is it better to buy a lottery ticket on a Friday? Why are showers always too hot or too cold? And what's the connection between a rugby player taking a conversion and a tourist trying to get the best photograph of Nelson's Column? These and many other fascinating questions are answered in this entertaining and highly informative book.
Professor Stewart’s Hoard of Mathematical Treasures by Ian Stewart
Ian Stewart presents a new and magical mix of games, puzzles, paradoxes, brainteasers, and riddles. He mingles these with forays into ancient and modern mathematical thought, appallingly hilarious mathematical jokes, and enquiries into the great mathematical challenges of the present and past.
The Hidden Mathematics of Sport by Rob Eastaway and John Haigh
Discover the best tactics for taking a penalty, the pros and cons of being a consistent golfer, the surprising link between boxing and figure skating, the unusual location of England's earliest 'football' game (in a parish church), and the formula for always winning a game of tennis.
