Mathematics A Level

Head Department:
Miss L Jenkins

Why choose the subject?
Discover more of the magic of Mathematics, the fascination of summing a series to infinity, the power of calculus, the mystery of real and imaginary numbers and the intricacies of permutations and combinations. These form part of the basic core of the syllabus with the addition of Mechanics and Statistics. In the Mechanics units, problems are formulated in response to given physical circumstances, in conjunction with Physics. The analysis of data and the prediction of results are studied in the Statistics unit which is particularly appropriate for those whose accompanying subjects are Economics, Geography and Biology. Mathematics is a fundamental subject and therefore there is always a demand for skilled mathematicians. Mathematics A-level will also pave the way for many careers.

Who is eligible?
This course is intriguing and challenging for those mathematically inclined and you must have achieved at least a grade 7 or above in the GCSE examinations.

Qualification Type: A Level (2 year) or AS Level (1 year)

Specification: Year 2024/2026 Advanced Level Award Examination Board: Edexcel
For info about the AS Level click here

Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 and 2
Proof, Algebra and Functions, Coordinate Geometry, Sequences and Series, Trigonometry, Exponentials and Logarithms, Differentiation, Integration, Vectors, Numerical Methods.

Paper 2: Mechanics and Statistics
Mechanics
Quantities and units in mechanics, Kinematics, Forces and Newton’s laws
Statistics
Statistical sampling, Data presentation and interpretation, Probability, Statistical distributions, Statistical hypothesis testing

Paper 4 and 5: Pure Mathematics 3
Proof, Algebra and Functions, Coordinate Geometry, Sequences and Series, Trigonometry, Differentiation, Integration, Numerical Methods.

The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Mathematics consists of three externally examined papers, each 2 hours in length and equally weighted.

Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 and 2
2 hours each paper, 33.3% of total A level mark for each paper, Written examinations.

Paper 2: Mechanics and Statistics
2 hours each paper, 33.3% of total A level mark for each paper, Written examinations.

Paper 4 and 5: Pure Mathematics 3
2 hours, 33.3 % of total A level mark, Written paper.

Studying maths helps us find patterns and structure in our lives. Practically, maths helps us put a price on things, create graphics , build websites, build skyscrapers and generally understand how things work or predict how they might change over time and under different conditions.

Maths is one of the best subjects to develop your analytical, research and problem-solving skills. Not only will studying maths help give you the knowledge to tackle scientific, mechanical, coding and abstract problems, it will also help you develop logic to tackle everyday issues like planning projects, managing budgets and even debating effectively.

This course is commonly studied with:
As an A-Level subject, mathes complements several other A-Level courses, including further mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and product design.

Future Careers:
People with maths degrees and other qualifications can go into: accounting, medicine, engineering, forensic pathology, finance, business, consultancy, teaching, IT, games development, scientific research, programming, the civil service, design, construction and astrophysics to name a few. Specific job roles include actuary, business analyst, software engineer, technology analyst, information engineer, speech technology researcher, and maths teacher.

Students can study mathematics for just one academic year and achieve an AS qualification worth 40% of the UCAS points.

Year 2024/26 Advanced Subsidiary Award Examination Board: Edexcel

Pure Mathematics 1: Proof, Algebra and Functions, Coordinate Geometry, Sequences and Series, Trigonometry, Exponentials and Logarithms, Differentiation, Integration, Vectors, Numerical Methods. 2 hours, 62.5% of total AS level mark, Written examination.

Mechanics and Statistics: Quantities and units in mechanics, Kinematics, Forces and Newton’s laws. Statistical sampling, Data presentation and interpretation, Probability, Statistical distributions, Statistical hypothesis testing. 1 hour 15 minutes, 37.5% of total AS level mark, Written examination.