COURSES

Mathematics
Overview
“Mathematics is not a careful march down a
well-cleared highway, but a journey into a strange
wilderness, where the explorers often get lost.”
At this level Mathematics moves away from the
restrained, outcome focussed approach taken in
GCSE courses. Pupils studying Mathematics in the
Sixth Form begin to question why and how things
work and develop their understanding of the
fundamental concepts to a deeper level. Learning
mathematics is not just about memorising
techniques and formulae, it teaches you thinking
skills that will last a lifetime. Mathematics is a useful
and well respected A level. However, the main reason
to choose Mathematics in the Sixth Form is because
you enjoy the subject.
“At GCSE level you can get away without completely
understanding; now you need to understand
everything.”
The themes covered are similar to GCSE algebra,
graphs, geometry - but the style is different. You
are encouraged to start viewing these concepts from
the inside rather than as a spectator. Whether
considering A2 or AS level you must be prepared to
train yourself to think carefully and logically.
Approach
If you embark on this course you need to be well
motivated, to be successful it is important that
material covered in classes is backed up with
independent study. With an average set size of about
ten in the Lower Sixth (and less in the Upper Sixth),
you can be guaranteed close contact with your
tutors and extra support where needed. However,
you are expected to be more self sufficient than in
previous years.
A variety of teaching styles are adopted including
practical activities, use of computers and graphical
calculators and independent research. There is no
coursework, qualifications are awarded based on
the results of six module exams taken at the end
of the Lower Sixth year and during the Upper Sixth.
Most pupils will be entered in the UKMT Senior
Maths Challenge and all will have opportunities to
prepare and attend presentations in our lecture
series ‘Pi Shop’.
“Now even the smallest detail matters – if you don’t
understand the small things, then the whole picture
won’t make sense.”
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Millfield Sixth Form Courses 2014-2015