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Maths A Level
A Level Maths is a stimulating subject if you enjoy a structured process of problem solving and a logical way of thinking. Throughout the course you will:
- develop an understanding of Mathematics in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment
- develop skills in logical reasoning, problem solving, modelling, and constructing mathematical proofs
- extend your range of mathematical skills and techniques and use them in more difficult unstructured problems
- recognise how a situation may be represented mathematically, and understand the relationship between ‘real world’ problems and other mathematical models and how these can be refined and improved
- develop an awareness of the relevance of Mathematics to other fields of study, the world of work, advancing technologies and society in general
- take increasing responsibility for your own learning and the evaluation of your own mathematical development.
Curriculum Intent
All students to believe they are capable of achieving high standards and becoming competent and resilient mathematicians.
What you will study
Year One
You will be introduced to advanced pure mathematical concepts such as proofs, coordinate geometry, exponentials and logarithms, as well as calculus techniques involving differentiation and integration.
You will also be introduced to core concepts from statistics and mechanics, including topics such as statistical hypothesis testing and distributions, kinematics, and Newton’s Laws of Motion.
Year Two
You will study the same core concepts as in year one, but the techniques involved will be taken even further with techniques introduced to help work with all sorts of functions, new calculus techniques and higher level trigonometric problems. Concepts such as moments will be added to the mechanics section, and the statistics section will require the use of a large data set.
All pure mathematics content will be examined at the end of the course in two equally weighted papers. The applied statistics and mechanics content will be examined in one single exam of equal weight to each individual pure mathematics examination.
How the course is assessed
- Paper 1: Pure Mathematics, 33 1/3%
- Paper 2: Pure Mathematics, 33 1/3%
- Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics, 33 1/3%
Entry requirements
- Five subjects at grade 4 or above, including English and maths
- Grade 7 or above at GCSE maths is recommended. The minimum entry requirement is Grade 6
Why study A Level Maths at Windsor Sixth Form?
- Expert knowledge - Staff are very knowledgeable and dedicated professionals who are enthused by mathematics and this creates an outstanding learning experience for students
- Dedicated teachers - Teachers dedicate extra time to supporting students and preparation for examinations, such as after school workshops and extended lessons during the school holidays
- Unique exam preparation - One of the only sixth form colleges that provide specific TMUA and STEP exam preparation
What courses does A Level Maths go well with?
Alongside further maths, maths works well with a number of other subjects such as chemistry, physics, biology, computer science, geography and economics.
Mechanics concentrates on the physical laws of motion and is useful if you wish to become an engineer or have chosen physics.
Statistics looks at interpreting data and is applied in subjects such as biology, geography and psychology.
What you can do after the course
Mathematics is a common part of degree courses such as business, architecture, chemistry, biology, psychology, management science and computing. Maths is essential if you wish to sutdy courses such as engineering, physics and mathematics itself.
Problem solving skills and statistical techniques are a useful tool for the study of a variety of science courses, such as medicine, nursing and geology, but are also useful for the study of accounting and finance, sports studies, geography and design technology.
Mathematics A Level keeps many doors open and is valuable for almost every future career plan.
The study of maths, even today, is held in great esteem by employers, as it shows an ability to think logically, and can help to gain that chosen career or elusive university place.
Student success stories
A student who achieved an A grade in maths in 2021 went on to study at the University of Oxford, one of the most prestigious universities in the world.