MATHEMATICS and FURTHER MATHEMATICS

Subject Department: MATHS

Examination Board: AQA

Maths AS Code: 5361 A2 Code: 6361
Further Maths AS Code: 5371 A2 Code: 6371

Prior Levels of Attainment
GSCE Grade Requirements:
Grade B at Higher Level GCSE Mathematics

Introduction
In the Sixth Form we offer AS and A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics using the AQA Specification. Girls study a combination of both pure and applied modules. Pure Maths deals with concepts such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus. The applied modules are mechanics and statistics.

Throughout the school the tasks and activities within the classroom are supplemented by entering girls for the annual National Maths Challenges.

Why Study Maths?
Maths is a beautiful language. It has elegance and precision. The study of maths gives you an opportunity to structure arguments logically, to show your flair and creativity in applying your knowledge to problems as well as the ability to analyse and interpret results. Success in Maths requires you to have a disciplined approach to your studies.

As your study of Maths increases, you develop an awareness of the wonderful connections between different branches of Maths, together with the links between Maths and other areas of the curriculum.

Being able to understand and use numbers and mathematical concepts will be a valuable asset for many jobs. Maths is a very desirable subject to study in the sixth form and is looked on favourably by both universities and employers.

Specification summary
An AS or full A level in Mathematics contributes to the development of the ability to reason logically, to recognise incorrect reasoning, to generalise and to construct mathematical proofs. These skills are highly valued by employers and universities across a wide range of careers from medicine and law to engineering and management, for it helps the development of powers of analysis and strong problem solving skills. Maths complements a wide variety of other A-level courses and in addition, Mathematics A-level provides an understanding of the mathematical tools and techniques that are an integral part of many degree courses. Many returning students tell us how much they have used mathematics at university, especially statistics.

Mathematics AS/A2
AS Mathematics consists of two Pure Maths modules and one Applied Maths module. A further three modules, again split as before, completes the full A-level. There is no coursework involved in any of the A-level courses. Before starting the course students decide whether to either take statistics or mechanics as their applied option.

	The Pure Maths modules develop many of the topics studied at GCSE such as algebra, and trigonometry.
	Statistics is useful in many degree courses and careers and its applications may also be used in some other A-level subjects. The course consists of concepts such as the Binomial and Normal probability distributions, Correlation and Regression.
	Within Mechanics, candidates will use mathematical models to solve problems involving the movement of objects. Mechanics covers concepts such as the theory of forces, Newton’s Laws of Motion, projectiles, kinematics and momentum.

Mathematics and Further Mathematics (AS/A2)
Students interested in studying mathematics in more depth can take this double Mathematics option. Within the Maths A-level students take the statistics modules and within AS Further Maths students study further Pure material and two mechanics modules. To complete the full A-level Further Maths students take a further three Pure modules.

Maths with Further Maths - along with Physics - is a particularly good combination for a student considering studying any type of engineering at university. Some universities, in particular Cambridge, Oxford and Warwick, still insist on Further Maths AS or A Levels for those students wishing to study mathematics at university, although it should be noted that for many other high ranking universities it is sufficient just to have a good A-level in Mathematics.

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