Sixth Form Maths
AS and A Level Mathematics - Edexcel
This course is suitable for anyone having studied a Higher level GCSE, although students who achieve less than a grade B may find the course very difficult. The course provides an excellent balance of mathematical topics included within the areas of Pure Mathematics (Core), Mechanics and Statistics. The subject is allocated five hours tuition time a week in years 12 and 13. Mathematics is a very popular subject in the sixth form and results are excellent.
A Level Further Mathematics
This course is studied as an additional A level in Mathematics for students who have a real love for the subject, and who have achieved an A* grade at GCSE. It is increasingly being seen as a useful addition for students who are keen to study Mathematics or Engineering at University, as well as other Mathematics related subjects. The course is similar to the A level in Mathematics, with exams in the areas of Pure Mathematics (Core), Mechanics, Decision Maths and Statistics. The subject is allocated four hours tuition time a week in Years 12 and 13.
AS level Further Maths
For students who would like to settle in before taking Further Maths, there is the option of an AS level in the subject in Year 13 if the student achieves a grade A in their AS level Mathematics. This will be studied alongside Maths and will require students to sit three extra modules.
GCSE Re-takes
Students wishing to improve their GCSE grade in Mathematics will be entered for the OCR graduated assessment GCSE. This comprises two modular exams, and a terminal paper.
Facilities
The department is well funded and has a good stock of textbooks. The main textbooks used are written by the syllabus examiners and moderators themselves. We also have a range of software that can be accessed by the students at any time. Graphic programmable calculators are highly recommended. The department prefers students to have their own and sells them at a very reasonable price during the first term.
Staff
Sixth form teachers enjoy their Mathematics and the challenge of helping students achieve their maximum potential.
Some reasons to study Mathematics (and Further Mathematics) at A Level
It is a highly desirable subject
If you want to go to University then A level Mathematics will open more doors than any other subject: Courses and careers in Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Computing, Accountancy, Economics, Business, Banking, Air Traffic Control, Retail Management, Architecture, Surveying, Cartography, Psychology and, of course, Teaching to name but a few.
In fact, for entry to a Business Studies degree, institutions will generally look for Mathematics as their first choice, and it may seem strange, but if you want to study any area of computing, including games design, at University then they generally ask for Mathematics A Level ahead of Computing A Level. Even subjects such as Psychology favour a qualification in Mathematics.
Mathematics is everywhere
The world we live in simply would not exist as we know it if it was not for Mathematics. Mobile phones, computers, all wireless technologies, computer games, special effects in films, bypasses, CAT scanners, weather forecasts… all of these things have mathematics at the heart of their technology, and the companies who develop these employ many mathematicians. If you were to Google all the creators of The Simpsons, you will find they all have Mathematics based degrees and PhDs. Incidentally, Google itself was created by Mathematicians.
You will earn more if you study Mathematics A level
Students who study Mathematics A Level on average earn 10% more than their non-Mathematics studying counterparts. This percentage increases if you go on to study Mathematics at degree level.
...and the most important reason of all...
Because you enjoy it!