The new A-level mathematics qualification (teaching from September 2017) represents the biggest change in a generation, with even more opportunity for students to realise their potential. Maths is one of the biggest facilitating subjects and is regarded as essential for many higher education courses and careers. The course has been designed, in consultation with higher education, to ensure that the A-level qualification gives students the best possible chance to progress. Students will gain an appreciation of links between different areas of maths and learn how to apply their math’s skills across all areas.
The A-level is now a linear course with the final exam at the end of Year 13. Separate AS exams will be taken at the end of Year 12, though these do not contribute to the full A-level. The courses consist of three subject areas:
- Pure – Advanced algebra, trigonometry, differentiation and integration.
- Mechanics – Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, momentum, projectiles, forces and acceleration.
- Statistics – Data analysis, probability and hypothesis testing using a large data set.
The specifications can be found here:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/as-and-a-level/mathematics-7357
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/as-and-a-level/mathematics-7356
Entry Requirements
To study A-level maths you must have achieved at least a grade 6 at GCSE, and you will have a good understanding of the algebra topics.
Costs
You will be required to purchase a text book on arrival in September; we have chosen to use the Hodder textbooks linked to the AQA specification. You are also strongly advised to buy a graphics calculator. These can be purchased through the school to keep costs down and you may be able to use a bursary.
Career Progression
A-level mathematics is a good choice for students considering higher education in any science or maths based course, ranging from biochemical sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medical science and psychology to philosophy, economics, accountancy, management and actuarial science.
Career opportunities for students who study A-level mathematics include: industry, accountancy, finance, economics, healthcare, medicine, veterinary science and engineering.
Useful links
Integral
Notes, worked examples and exercises to consolidate your learning and support independent study. Login in with the following username ,2068-ALjbloggs, if your name was Joe Bloggs. Use the forgotten username or password link if you have changed from the default changeme)
Exam Solutions
Use for topic videos and exam questions. Select AQA as the exam board
https://www.examsolutions.net/
UKMT Senior Maths Challenge
As an A-Level student you need to engage with problem solving. The following website contains past papers from the UKMT maths challenges which give you a chance to apply your mathematical knowledge.
https://www.ukmt.org.uk/competitions/solo/senior-mathematical-challenge/archive
TL Maths on YouTube
Videos going through question of different topics.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCgGyPD6MYQcHuMIc-Kv-Uw
If you require any further information or have any questions contact:
Miss L Whitehouse – Head of maths stflew@launcestoncollege.org.uk
Miss S Curtis – Key Stage 5 coordinator stfsac@launcestoncollege.org.uk
The new A-level in further mathematics (teaching from September 2017) is designed to broaden and deepen the mathematical knowledge and skills developed when studying A-level mathematics. It may be studied alongside or after taking A‑level mathematics and provides a stimulating experience for those who enjoy the subject. The AS further maths qualification builds on the skills, knowledge and understanding learnt at GCSE and can be studied alongside the AS Mathematics qualification.
To study A-level further maths you must have achieved at least a grade 8 at GCSE, and you will have a good understanding of the algebra topics. You must also take A-level maths.
The A-level in further mathematics is now a linear course with the final exam at the end of Year 13. Separate AS exams will be taken at the end of Year 12, though these do not contribute to the full A-level. The courses consist of three subject areas:
- Pure – Matrices, transformations, polynomials, proofs and vectors.
- Mechanics – Friction, work, energy, power and impulse.
- Discrete – Networks, critical path analysis and gaming theory.
The specifications can be found here:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/as-and-a-level/Further-mathematics-7367
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/as-and-a-level/Further-mathematics-7366
Entry Requirements
To study A-level further maths you must have achieved at least a grade 7 at GCSE, and you will have a good understanding of the algebra topics. You must also take A-level maths.
Costs
You will be required to purchase a text book on arrival in September; we have chosen to use the Hodder textbooks linked to the AQA specification. You are also strongly advised to buy a graphics calculator. These can be purchased through the school to keep costs down and you may be able to use a bursary.
Career Progression
Throughout the AS and A-level further mathematics programme, students are encouraged to think logically, practically and analytically. These fundamental maths skills are useful across all kinds of disciplines and careers.
A-level further mathematics is a good choice for students considering higher education in any Science or Maths-based course, ranging from: computer science, biochemical sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medical sciences and psychology to statistics, economics, accountancy, management and actuarial science.
Career opportunities for students who study A-level further mathematics include: computer science, industry, accountancy, finance, economics, insurance, healthcare, medicine, veterinary science and engineering.
Useful links
Integral
Notes, worked examples and exercises to consolidate your learning and support independent study. Login in with the following username ,2068-ALjbloggs, if your name was Joe Bloggs. Use the forgotten username or password link if you have changed from the default changeme)
Exam Solutions
Use for topic videos and exam questions. Select AQA as the exam board
https://www.examsolutions.net/
UKMT Senior Maths Challenge
As an A-Level student you need to engage with problem solving. The following website contains past papers from the UKMT maths challenges which give you a chance to apply your mathematical knowledge.
https://www.ukmt.org.uk/competitions/solo/senior-mathematical-challenge/archive
TL Maths on YouTube
Videos going through question of different topics.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCgGyPD6MYQcHuMIc-Kv-Uw
If you require any further information or have any questions contact:
Miss L Whitehouse – Head of maths stflew@launcestoncollege.org.uk
Miss S Curtis – Key Stage 5 coordinator stfsac@launcestoncollege.org.uk
This course is designed to engender the understanding that maths is for everyone. This course is diverse, engaging and essential in equipping students with the right skills to reach their future destination, whatever that may be. This Level 3 qualification focuses on building on GCSE skills, in a range of contexts, to help prepare students to be competent and confident in using mathematics in their studies, careers and everyday lives. Launceston College offers this as a one year course with two end-of-course examinations. The course consists of modules with these themes:
- Analysis of data.
- Personal finance.
- Modelling and estimation.
The Specification can be found here:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/aqa-certificate/mathematical-studies-1350
Entry Requirements
Students are required to have achieved at least a grade 4 in GCSE maths.
Skills Developed
Core Maths aims to consolidate and build on students’ mathematical understanding and develop further mathematical skills in the application of mathematics to authentic real life problems.
Costs
There is no direct cost for taking mathematical studies, though you will be required to purchase a text book on arrival in September (we use the Hodder textbook) and you will need a scientific calculator. These can be purchased through the school to keep costs down and you may be able to use a bursary.
Career Progression
The course has been designed to support other A-level subjects and to prepare students for university and employment.
Students taking mathematical studies will find it benefits other A-level subjects like: science, sociology, geography, computer science, business studies and economics. As well as demonstrating to employers that you have developed maths skills and application beyond GCSE.
Useful links
The AMSP have produced a list of useful websites to find interesting content to explore which is related to Mathematical Studies.
https://amsp.org.uk/students/core-maths/more-maths
TL Maths on YouTube
Videos going through question of different topics.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCgGyPD6MYQcHuMIc-Kv-Uw
If you require any further information or have any questions contact:
Miss L Whitehouse – Head of maths stflew@launcestoncollege.org.uk
Miss S Curtis – Key Stage 5 coordinator stfsac@launcestoncollege.org.uk
