Mathematics AS and A2

Exam Board EDEXCEL

Course Content

Mathematics at Advanced Level is challenging and enjoyable for the conscientious student. It equips students with analytic and reasoning skills which are of proven value in the workplace. The course is demanding so it is important that students have 5 GCSEs at A* to C grade and at least a grade B in GCSE Maths.

AS Level

The course consists of three modules; core 1 and 2 and decision 1. The core units extend work done during GCSE on topics such as algebra and trigonometry and introduce the new ideas of differentiation and integration. Decision maths is an area of maths which looks at the solution of commercial problems, often using ICT.

A Level

Completion of the full A Level qualification requires a further three units. These are Core 3 and 4 and mechanics 1. The core units continue to explore topics central to an understanding of modern mathematics, while the mechanics unit deals with situations arising in engineering and related fields.

Assessment

Each module is assessed by means of a written examination lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes. We aim to enable students to take the core 1 and 3 exams in January of year 12 and Year 13 respectively. This allows students to focus on the other two modules in May/June of each year.

Possible Careers

Mathematics AS and A Level are particularly sought after for entry to all university courses and are essential for many such as engineering, computer programming and medicine. Other career opportunities ranging from accountancy to financial or retail management and from statistical analysis to architecture are also supported by qualifications in mathematics.