Mathematics

Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Mathematics (9MA0)

A grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics required

AS Assessment:

The course is assessed by two papers of different lengths, each contributing towards the AS Level. The exams have a gradient of difficulty throughout the paper and consists of a mix of long and short questions. All questions are compulsory.

Paper 1: Pure Mathematics (2 hours; 100 marks; 62.5% of the qualification)

Paper 2: Statistics and Mechanics (1 hour 15 minutes; 60 marks; 37.5% of the qualification)

For Paper 2, some of the exam questions on the statistics section will be set in the context of the pre-release large data set and will assume familiarity with the key features of that data set.

A Level Assessment:

The course is assessed by three papers, each 2 hours long and worth 33⅓% of the total A Level. The exams have a gradient of difficulty throughout the paper and consists of a mix of long and short questions. All questions are compulsory.

Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 (2 hours; 100 marks; one third of the qualification)

Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2 (2 hours; 100 marks; one third of the qualification)

Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics (2 hours; 100 marks; one third of the qualification)

For Paper 3, some of the exam questions on the statistics section will be set in the context of the pre-release large data set and will assume familiarity with the key features of that data set.

Mathematics becomes increasingly challenging at A level, but also more enjoyable and rewarding. Obtaining a Maths A level shows that you are a hard-working, self-motivated and intelligent person. You may not use algebra or probability in your job every day, but the transferable skills of analysis, logic and problem solving will always be valuable. Some degree subjects, like physics and engineering, ask for a maths A level as part of the entry requirements. Others, such as medicine and architecture, don’t make it a necessity, but they still have a fair amount of mathematical content, so if you go in with a maths A-level, you’ll have a much easier time than those who don’t.

Research has shown that graduates with A Level Maths earn, on average, at least 10% more than those without, regardless of the subject of their degree.

If you wish to study Maths at AS or A level you will need to have studied the Higher GCSE course and achieved a grade 7 or higher. An initial assessment will take place (school wide policy) approximately 3 weeks into the course. This helps assess course suitability and more importantly helps us provide appropriate and early intervention and support.

A genuine interest in, and enjoyment of, mathematics is considered essential.

Two thirds of the course (at A level, or 62.5% at AS) is Pure mathematics, which extends what you have learnt at GCSE and introduces new topics, covering: Proof; Algebra and functions; Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane; Sequences and series; Trigonometry; Exponentials and logarithms; Differentiation; Integration; Numerical methods and Vectors.

One third of the course (at A level, or 37.5% at AS) consists of the applied content:

Statistics topics including

• Statistical sampling
• Data presentation and interpretation
• Probability
• Statistical distributions
• Hypothesis testing

Mechanics topics including:

• Quantities and Units in mechanics
• Kinematics
• Forces and Newton’s Laws
• Moments

All units are fully supported by textbooks written specifically for this course, in addition to online resources designed to assist and supplement independent study and home learning. This includes thorough notes, exemplars, interactive demonstrations and model solutions for every topic within each unit, along with exercises at different levels and topic assessments to reinforce, consolidate and help master each technique.

An A level in Maths provides excellent preparation for degree courses across a range of subject areas including biology, chemistry, computing, architecture, healthcare, economics, business and geography. A-Level Maths develops competence and confidence to deal with information given in algebraic, numerical or graphical form, all of which are valuable transferable skills. The written work of trained mathematicians tends to be logical, concise and precise.

A-Level Maths can lead to a variety of careers in myriad fields including Science, Engineering, Finance, Business, Health, Society, Entertainment, the Environment and Sport

Whether you wish to take your study of mathematics further to degree level or beyond, or use it as an entry to virtually any other subject, A Level Maths will be considered an advantage.