Sixth Form Course Booklet 2013 - Bromsgrove School

MATHEMATICS A LEVEL
WHY STUDY MATHEMATICS?
Mathematics is a unique subject that stands as a creative subject in its own right, but which also underpins science,
engineering and much of business studies and other social sciences. The mathematical skills of being able to think
abstractly, logically and deductively, to construct a rigorous argument and to draw sound conclusions from appropriate
evidence are highly desirable and transferable to many different settings. You will learn how to analyse data so that you
can judge the value of statistical arguments, you will develop an appreciation of how motion can be modelled and you
will learn the techniques that will enable you to extend the study of the subject, or its dependent subjects.
Mathematics increasingly becomes algebraically rather than arithmetically based.
Those wishing to study Further Mathematics A level should study A level Mathematics in the Lower Sixth. A level
Further Mathematics will then be covered in the Upper Sixth. Pupils who embark on a full Further Mathematics course
can later opt to reduce this to AS level Further Mathematics: this is usually done to ensure that a grade A in
Mathematics A level is achieved.
AIMS OF THE COURSE
1. To develop an interest in mathematics.
2. To develop an appreciation of the value of mathematics in the modern world today.
3. To develop an ability to think abstractly and logically.
4. To learn, understand and be able to use a range of mathematical skills and techniques.
5. To encourage a sense of achievement in meeting an intellectual challenge.
6. To lay foundations for the further study of the subject or the study of dependent subjects.
7. To develop the ability to model real-life situations and the ability to appreciate that assumptions must be made
in order to do this.
SKILLS NEEDED FOR AND DEVELOPED IN THE COURSE
An interest in mathematics; sound algebraic skills; a readiness to rise to challenges and to see them through to a
successful conclusion; sound organisational skills and a readiness to set time to learn critical facts and techniques.
REQUIREMENTS FOR STARTING THE COURSE
A minimum of a grade B in Higher Level GCSE or IGCSE Mathematics, although an A or A* is preferable. Reasonable
success at AS level if you are continuing from that stage.
Course followed: Mathematics
Examination Board: Edexcel
CONTENT OF THE COURSE UNITS
For pupils studying A2 mathematics in the Upper Sixth, having completed AS mathematics in the Lower Sixth, the
course consists of three further units, two in pure mathematics and one in applied. The two pure units are C3 Methods
for Advanced Mathematics and C4 Application of Advanced Mathematics, which together complete the coverage of the
national mathematics common core. Pupils can choose their applied unit from Mechanics 2 or Statistics 2 (if they have
completed Mechanics 1 or Statistics 1 in the Lower Sixth) or Decision Mathematics 1. (Decision Mathematics is the
branch of the subject that underpins business studies and related subjects.)
For pupils in the Lower Sixth who are undertaking the first year of the double mathematics course (A level mathematics
in the Lower Sixth followed by Further Mathematics in the Upper Sixth) the course consists of four pure units (C1 to C4),
two mechanics units (Mechanics 1 and 2) and Statistics 1. If a set proves particularly able there may be acceleration
to cover further units. This ensures that at least seven units are covered in order to allow the award of Mathematics A
level at the end of the Lower Sixth by a variety of methods, thus increasing the likelihood of an A grade.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
Each unit is assessed by a written examination of 1 hour 30 minutes.
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