Mathematics & Further Mathematics
In Key Stage 5, students will study A level Mathematics or A level Mathematics and A level Further Mathematics.
In A Level Mathematics, students study Pure Mathematics and Applied Statistics and Mechanics. In the first year of the course, students will develop their algebraic knowledge and skills, as well as being introduced to topics such as the binomial expansion, calculus, hypothesis testing, forces and motion. In Year 13 knowledge and skills will be further developed and they will be study topics such as normal distribution, projectiles and kinematics, with a greater emphasis on mathematical model construction and solving using a range of techniques including technology. Students will develop skills such as critical thinking, metacognition, decision making and reasoning.
A variety of differentiated resources and activities are used including those from My Maths and the MEI Further Maths programmes. Integral Maths is also used to demonstrate topics visually using the Geogebra program and allows for more stringent assessment.
Students are studying for the Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE Mathematics examination, which consists of two Pure and one Statistics and Mechanics Paper. Each Paper is a 2-hour written examination and counts towards 33.3% of the qualification.
In A Level Further Mathematics, students study the Core Pure modules, as well as Decision Maths and either Further Pure 1 or Mechanics. Students develop their ability to manipulate precise and intricate ideas and are required to use deeper mathematical thinking in problem solving. They are introduced to topics such as imaginary and complex numbers, argand diagrams and hyperbolic functions.
Students are studying for the Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE Further Mathematics examination, which consists of four papers: two Core Pure and two Further Maths Option Papers. Each Paper is a 1 hour and 30 minutes written examination and counts towards 25% of the qualification.