Examination Board: Edexcel

Assessment:

‘Almost half of UK employers surveyed by the CBI reported that they were looking for employees with strong qualifications in science, technology, engineering and mathematics’.

A Level Mathematics is a linear qualification:

• All exams will take place at the end of the two year course in Year 13.
• Grades will to be awarded on an A*- E scale.
• An emphasis is placed on problem solving, reasoning and modelling.
• The content of the A level is pre-determined by the exam board.

It will include pure mathematics, mechanics and statistics (including analysis of large data sets).

Entry Requirements:

Students will need to achieve a minimum grade 7 at GCSE to gain access to this course.

Paper 1         (33.3%) Pure Mathematics 1

Paper 2         (33.3%) Pure Mathematics 2

Paper 3         (33.3%) Applied Mathematics

Each paper is out of 100 marks and the exams last 2 hours each. The applied paper consists of two sections, split evenly between Statistics and Mechanics. Calculator usage is allowed in all three papers.

Skills development:

The mathematics course develops numerous key skills that can be applied to many other academic subjects and career paths. Mathematics develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students of mathematics are taught logical thinking and the ability to reason whilst making observations.

Mathematics students develop analytical skills and can draw conclusions. It encourages discipline with a strong work ethic but also freedom of thought to encourage non-linear thinking skills.  It is a subject that teaches the facility to deal with abstract concepts.

Career Paths:

A recent study showed that the top three best jobs in terms of income and job satisfaction were careers suited for those with academic strengths in Mathematics. These included scientists and employment in the world of Finance and Medicine. Other career paths include Computer Science; Engineering; the Military and Education. There are literally hundreds of career paths that mathematics can open for you.

Mathematics and other courses:

Mathematics is a subject which lends its self naturally to all others.  It is the most effective way of communicating ideas and concepts, no matter how abstract. It is used to describe the way the world around us works. From analysing economic data to quantum mechanics, mathematics can be used in some way to describe lots of aspects of our lives.

Mathematics is most useful in combination with the other sciences and will further students’ understanding of ideas and concepts in these subjects. It is also a tool for keeping the mind sharp and disciplined, which can be used in any subject.

The Russell Group universities regard mathematics highly and favour applications with these keystone subjects.