Mathematics and Further Mathematics
Contact : Mr C Ball Email : ballc @ pocklingtonschool . com
Course : A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics Exam Board : Edexcel
Mathematics is the abstract science of number , quantity and space . The A level course comprises mathematics studied in its own right ( pure mathematics ) and applications of mathematics ( mechanics and statistics ). Mathematics provides support for many related disciplines and its logical basis and rigour permeate many other subjects . Mathematicians use their skills to pose questions and explore solutions in a diverse range of problems , both abstract and real-world .
COURSE ENTRY AND QUALIFICATIONS
Mathematics is a demanding A level . A grade 7 pass in GCSE Mathematics is essential .
Those considering Further Mathematics will have been achieving consistently at the highest level throughout the GCSE course .
Students taking Mathematics and Further Mathematics will usually be expected to study two additional A level subjects .
CONTENT OF COURSE
Pure Mathematics covers proof , algebra and functions , coordinate geometry , sequences and series , trigonometry , exponentials and logarithms , calculus , numerical methods and vectors .
Statistics covers sampling , data analysis , probability , distributions and hypothesis testing .
MATHEMATICS AS A QUALIFICATION FOR FURTHER STUDY AND CAREER OPTIONS
Mathematics provides an obvious foundation for university courses in Mathematics and other closely associated subjects such as Engineering , Science , Finance and Economics . Further Mathematics is highly valued by universities with higher entry requirements or for more demanding courses .
Mechanics covers kinematics , forces and Newton ’ s laws , moments and modelling .
Further Pure 1 and Further Pure 2 are the optional modules taught during the Further Maths course . Both of these modules give a flavour of University style Mathematics . These modules are not only useful for those wishing to go on to study Mathematics , they are also useful for those going on to study Mathematical subjects such as Computer Science or Engineering .
A Casio FX-991Ex Classwiz , or an equivalent calculator with the same functionality is required for the course . These can be purchased through the school at the beginning of the year .
COURSE OUTLINE
A level ( examining all components of the 2 year course )
Table refers to A level Mathematics only not Further Mathematics
PAPER CONTENT MARKS AVAILABLE
Pure Mathematics 1
2 hours examining any aspect from Pure Maths
33 %
“ The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics .”
Paul Halmos
Pure Mathematics 2
Statistics and Mechanics
2 hours examining the remaining Pure Maths topics
2 hours covering Statistics and Mechanics equally weighted
33 %
33 %
30