Post 16
The courses offered are:
- AS GCE Mathematics leading to
- A Level GCE Mathematics.
Students may complete an AS course of study in one year or the full A Level over two years.
Student Qualities
In addition to the general school requirements, from our previous experience, candidates are required to have attained at least a B grade in GCSE Mathematics at the Intermediate Tier of entry.
Qualifications from GCSE examinations are not sufficient to ensure success in A level Mathematics. You need to have a natural interest in the subject, a desire to work very hard and a willingness to seek help when you need it.
Course Content
All Mathematics students follow the same AS course in Year 12. The course gives students a broad knowledge of Pure Mathematics and Statistics or Mechanics. They study two Pure Mathematics modules (Core 1 and Core 2) and either Statistics 1 or Mechanics 1.
In Year 13, students must take two further Pure Mathematics modules (Core 3 and Core 4) and either a Mechanics module or a Statistics module to complete the course.
Mechanics links with Physics, Engineering and Technology & P.E.
Statistics links with Geography, Business Studies & Biology.
Assessment
All the modules are assessed by examination only. There is no coursework element to complete. Each examination paper lasts for 90 minutes and counts in equal amounts towards the final grade.
Module examinations can be taken again if the candidate is not successful and achieves a grade lower than a C, and we recommend that any retakes occur at the next available sitting.
Candidates sitting the C1 module examination are not permitted to use a calculator. In all other module examinations scientific calculators are allowed to be used. In addition we recommend the use of graphic calculator during the course. In September, the department will organise a bulk purchase of calculators for those that want them.
Schedule of Assessment
Year | Y12 | Jan Y13 | Y13 |
Module | C1, C2, S1 or M1 | Repeat modules if necessary. | C3, C4, M1 or S1 |
Resources
Students are issued with all the relevant texts corresponding to the modules that they are sitting. These texts are published by Heinemann and recommended by the exam board. In addition, students have to refer to previous GCSE knowledge, so access to their GCSE revision guides is recommended.
Students also have access to many additional texts and references via the department and the school library.
Online practice papers are available from the post 16 section of the Maths area.
Preparation for the Course
Students are required to complete a booklet named Mind The Gap and other revision materials during the Summer Term prior to commencing the course. This ensures that their Higher GCSE knowledge is sound, and will highlight areas for improvement before the start of the course
Independent Study
Students should expect to receive Independent Study from the majority of their mathematics lessons. The completion of this work is an essential feature of the course and it is expected that every student will need to discuss their Independent Study with their teacher on a regular basis. The department runs homework support sessions when required, but many more informal discussions are needed as well.
Useful Resources
Textbooks: Heinneman Modular
Exam Board: For additional resources on EDEXCEL specifications, including sample assessment materials, student guides and coursework guides please visit their website at www.edexcel.org.uk
Revision websites: www.bbc.co.uk/education/asguru This offers detailed coursework, diagrams and activities.
www.s-cool.co.uk This site has revision tips for A, AS levels and GCSEs. The maths section covers percentages, algebra, trigonometry and more.
www.learn.co.uk With 'A' and 'AS' levels looming, the place to head for revision.
www.mathsnet.net Excellent revision facilities and practice examples.