Qualification: A-level

Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel

Entry Requirements: Grade 6 or above in GCSE Mathematics.

Watch our video about maths a-level

Outstanding results with an experienced team

A-level Mathematics (Edexcel) is a fascinating subject to study.  The course deals with developing logic and problem-solving skills that can be applied in a wide range of areas.  Studying the course will develop your fluency in key mathematical topics and teach you how to construct an organised and logical argument. Whilst the course covers and extends many of the GCSE topics, such as algebra and geometry, it also quickly moves on to new topics where we introduce you to calculus, exponential functions and logarithms. Alongside the pure mathematics topics, we also learn about the applications of maths through the study of statistics and mechanics. Mathematics also helps to support the study of other subjects, including physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, IT, economics, business and psychology.

The course

The main topics are 

• Pure Maths
• Mechanics
• Statistics

In Year 12 we cover the following topics:

• Algebra
• Linear & circle geometry
• Trigonometry
• Vectors
• Differentiation
• Integration
• Exponentials & logarithms
• Collecting & analysing data
• Correlation
• Probability
• Statistical distributions
• Hypothesis testing
• Kinematics
• Forces
• Variable acceleration

In Year 13 we cover the following topics:

• Functions
• Sequences & series
• Binomial expansions
• Further trigonometry
• Further calculus
• Parametric equations
• Numerical methods
• Conditional probability
• Normal distribution
• Moments
• Friction
• Projectiles

Equipment

Specific scientific calculators are required for the course. We recommend the Casio fx-991CW.

Beyond the classroom

Our Maths department has friendly, supportive staff who frequently run support sessions for students outside of class.  Teachers will often offer more individual support with specific topics as required. Intervention and revision sessions are held at key times during the year.

Examinations

Pure Mathematics 1 (2 hours) 33%; Pure Mathematics 2 (2 hours) 33%; Statistics and Mechanics (2 hours) 33% 

Progression

Mathematics helps us in all aspects of life, whether it be with general problem-solving, high level thinking skills or detailed planning and analysis, so it will aid all students whatever career path they choose to take. Students who enjoy mathematics can go on to study a wide range of university courses and it is particularly applicable to courses such as mathematics, engineering, science related courses, business and economics, and computing.