“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.”Marie Curie
Mathematics A Level is fascinating, challenging and popular. It will develop and deepen your knowledge of topics students have already encountered, while introducing them to new applications of Mathematics. They will develop important transferable skills such as logical and rigorous thinking, written communication, creativity, and problem-solving.
A Level Mathematics requires an ability to think logically and creatively, and to apply mathematical skills in a variety of contexts. Studying Mathematics helps develop skills in analysis, logical argument, problem solving, mathematical modelling and communication — and it is also very enjoyable in its own right.
A level
Course Content and Assessment – Examination Board: Edexcel, Code: 9MA0
Pure Mathematics is a continuation and extension of the GCSE topics of algebra, trigonometry, graphs, calculus and vectors and includes new topics such as exponentials and logarithms. Mechanics applies mathematical ideas to practical problems involving force and motion. Topics include kinematics, Newton’s Laws and moments.
Statistics builds on GCSE knowledge of probability. Pupils encounter a variety of statistical distributions, learn how to carry out hypothesis testing and how to interpret and test data. This part of the course also involves interrogating a “Big Data Set” and being able to answer questions about the (real) data.
Studying some statistics is recommended for subjects such as Biology, Geography, Economics, Psychology and the Humanities and studying some mechanics is recommended for Physics pupils . However, all pupils studying A Level Mathematics now cover the same core content (irrespective of the Examination Board) and all pupils studying Mathematics will study both statistics and mechanics as part of the course.
There are three papers all taken in the same year (There is no coursework.):
- Paper 1: Pure Mathematics (Written exam: 2 hours, 33.3% of the qualification)
- Paper 2: Pure Mathematics (Written exam: 2 hours, 33.3% of the qualification)
- Paper 3” Statistics and Mechanics (Written exam: 2 hours, 33.3% of the qualification)
Co-Curricular
There are many opportunities to enjoy mathematics beyond the classroom, and we encourage all our students to explore these.
All students take part in the Senior Mathematics Challenge, with high scorers invited to participate in additional Olympiad rounds (BMO). Many students also enter the UKMT Maths Challenge, with several achieving Gold, Silver or Bronze certificates each year. Further Mathematics students go on to enter either the UK Mathematical Olympiad for Girls (MOG) or the new Mathematical Competition for Girls, with opportunities to attend seminars led by leading mathematicians on cutting-edge research and applications. Students may also represent the school in the Hans Woyda Mathematics Competition or the Senior Team Mathematical Challenge.
Students can also sign up to the GDST Sixth Form Maths Programme — a bespoke programme designed to stretch and challenge GDST Sixth Form students in Pure Maths, helping to prepare them for the Pure Maths elements of university entrance examinations, including the MAT, in October and November.
The Department also arranges occasional guest speakers, who talk about the mathematics they are studying post-16 or using in their careers. All Year 12 students have the opportunity to prepare and deliver a Royal Institution Maths Masterclass — a series of hands-on workshops exploring mathematics beyond the classroom curriculum — delivering these sessions to Year 5 pupils in neighbouring schools. This experience builds confidence and communication skills and inspires the next generation of young mathematicians. Year 12 students are also given the opportunity to take part in mathematical visits and lectures, including the Maths in Action lectures held in London.
Careers & Higher Education
In the Sixth Form, you can attend lectures and pre-university conferences to broaden your knowledge. Mathematics qualifications are highly valued, demonstrating problem-solving and logical thinking skills, which are transferable to diverse careers such as finance, architecture, aerospace, banking, engineering, and research. Studying Mathematics can complement the sciences or contrast with essay-based subjects, and it can also enhance your future earning potential, as higher achievement in Mathematics is linked to higher earnings and productivity, according to Professor Sir Adrian Smith’s 2017 review.
