Sixth Form Entry Booklet

36 MATHEMATICS Examination Board: PEARSON EDEXCEL GCSE requirement: 8 in Mathematics Mathematicians and those who excel in the subject are becoming ever more highly prized. Mathematics A-level is not just valuable for those interested in Mathematics, Engineering, the Sciences and Economics but also provides a wider knowledge base for those specialising in Humanities and the Arts. You will gain a solid grounding in Pure Mathematics and an introduction to the applications of Mathematics and modelling of real-world scenarios through the study of Probability, Statistics and Mechanics. This will enable you to explore aspects of Mathematics that you have hitherto not experienced. In Year 12 you will study the AS course of Pure Mathematics, Mechanics, Probability and Statistics, and in Year 13, you will study the A-level course where you will develop a broader and deeper appreciation of the Pure Mathematics studied in Year 12 plus other key areas of Mechanics, Probability and Statistics. The Year 12 material will be assessed at the end of Year 13 in greater depth and complexity, commensurate with the greater demands of a full A-Level in Mathematics. The A-Level Mathematics examination comprises of 3 two-hour exam papers, which are worth 100 marks each. Two thirds of the total marks available will come from the Pure Mathematics, with one sixth attributable to Probability and Statistics, and one sixth to Mechanics. There is no coursework in A-Level Mathematics. Mathematics is an amazing subject to have at A-Level and, provided you have perseverance and a good understanding of the GCSE concepts and strong Algebraic skills before you start, you should be able to meet the demands of the course. Mathematics is a challenging and thoroughly enjoyable A-level. You can expect to have Mathematics homework up to four times a week. There is a bigger emphasis on mathematical proof, problem-solving activities and mathematical modelling, as well as the use of graphical calculators within the new Maths A-level specification. The Mathematics Department is committed to supporting and inspiring all students in their learning of Mathematics at every ability level. It has been proven that students can improve and develop their ability by being a Maths Mentor as the act of communicating their mathematical knowledge deepens their own understanding. Hence all Year 12 Mathematics students are strongly encouraged to sign up to be part of the Mathematics mentoring scheme, where they will help a student from the lower years for 30 minutes a week during a lunch hour . Mr T Woolliams