MATHEMATICS

LEVEL 3: A LEVEL
EXAMINING BOARD: AQA

This course is for those with a strong passion for Maths, particularly those who enjoy algebra and who love to be intellectually challenged!

You can expect to tackle increasingly complex problems which involve much deeper thinking and creativity than experienced at GCSE.

By learning how to solve more sophisticated and multi-stage problems or to represent real situations mathematically, you will develop important valuable intellectual abilities.

Modelling real situations mathematically will require you to think creatively about a given situation and to extract the information provided in technical terms – a skill much in demand by employers and higher education institutions alike.

 

Course areas

Pure Mathematics

Two-thirds of the course is Pure Mathematics. Topics include:

  • Proof
  • Algebra
  • Algebraic graphs
  • Calculus (differentiation and integration)
  • Trigonometric functions and equations
  • Logarithms and exponential functions
  • Numerical methods (solving equations approximately)

Mechanics

One-sixth of the course is Mechanics. Topics include:

  • Kinematics in one and two dimensions
  • Constant and variable acceleration (using calculus)
  • Dynamics
  • Statics
  • Moments
  • Vectors

Statistics

One-sixth of the course is  Statistics. Topics include:

  • Probability
  • Descriptive statistics
  • Probability distributions
  • Binomial probability distribution
  • Normal probability distribution
  • Hypothesis testing

As a minimum, you will need (or equivalent to):

  • GCSE Mathematics grade 6
  • GCSE English Language grade 4
  • plus three more GCSEs at grade 4

It is strongly recommended you have:

  • GCSE Mathematics grade 7 or above

An additional support pathway will be provided if you join the course with a grade 6 in Mathematics.

 

There are three exams, each one is two hours in duration.

Previous students have gone to study for degrees in Mathematics, the Sciences, Engineering, Finance, Economics, or Medicine, amongst many other subjects.

Others have progressed to Apprenticeships, most frequently in Finance, Accountancy or Engineering. 

Is there a big jump from GCSE?

You will need a lot of grit and determination as you will get stuck much more often than at GCSE but with persistence and a lot of help from time to time you will learn a lot from these experiences.

Do I need a new calculator?

You will eventually need at least an Advanced Scientific Calculator but there is no need to purchase one for the start of the course. We will advise on some suitable models towards the end of the first term.