Mathematics
Mathematics is important as a subject in its own right, recognised by all Universities as being academically rigorous, and also as a support subject for many other disciplines. All of the Science subjects have strong mathematical elements, Physics and Engineering in particular will expect you to have studied Mathematics at A-level if you wish to pursue them at University. Beyond the Sciences there are many other subjects for which mathematical knowledge is vital, for example Economics, Business Studies, Architecture and Geography. Even beyond these subjects the skills, logical thinking, problem solving and statistical analysis, which Mathematics teaches are widely applicable and highly valued. Recent studies have shown that having an A-level in Mathematics has a significant long-term effect on ones earning power.
Students in the Sixth Form will find that the AS level in particular builds on the skill base gained from GCSE Mathematics and possibly Statistics. Success at Advanced Level needs a good foundation and hence we strongly suggest that an A grade at GCSE Mathematics is an appropriate starting point for such studies. Having done GCSE Statistics will undoubtedly be a help, particularly at AS level, but it is by no means a necessity.
Courses on Offer:
All the current Advanced Level specifications cover roughly the same material with strong elements of Pure Mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, calculus, co-ordinate geometry, numerical methods), Statistics (probability, presentation of data, statistical analysis, hypothesis testing), Mechanics (statics and dynamics) and Decision Mathematics (algorithms, networks, game theory). We currently use the OCR specification as it provides well considered set texts and generally accessible papers.
At Advanced Subsidiary Level it is compulsory to sit the Core 1 and Core 2 modules which build substantially on the Pure Mathematics base that students will have after GCSE Mathematics. In addition to these we have chosen to study the Statistics 1 module in the Lower Sixth as this takes advantage of the increasing numbers of our students whom have done GCSE Statistics.
At A2 level it is compulsory to take the Core 3 and Core 4 modules so all students will have a very strong grounding in Pure Mathematics. In addition to these we feel it is most appropriate to take the Mechanics 1 module in order to provide a rounded mathematical education. The Core 3 module would normally be sat in January of the Upper Sixth with the other two in the summer.
For further details on any of the above courses please see Dr Andrew Dando, Head of Mathematics.