Mathematics (AS)

Enrolment on an A Level programme requires a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 - 4, including English and maths

Specific criteria for this subject:

• A minimum average point score of 5.1
• Maths: Grade 7
• English: Grade 5

AS Level Mathematics is a demanding and highly valued qualification. Students study concepts such as quantity, structure, space and change that are essential for our understanding of the world around us. This course provides a basis for subsequent quantitative work in a wide range of higher education courses and in employment.

As well as pure mathematics, students will study two areas of applied maths: mechanics and statistics. Students should be aware that there is a big difference between GCSE and AS Level Maths because the depth of knowledge and understanding needed is far greater.

The pure mathematics content involves algebra, geometry, trigonometry, graphs, logs, exponentials and calculus. Mechanics deals with motion and forces and links well with physics. Statistics includes analysis of data and probability. The mathematics we study emphasises how mathematical ideas are interconnected and how they can be applied to model situations, to help make sense of data and to understand the physical world and solve problems in a variety of contexts.

You can expect to:

• Widen and deepen your understanding of mathematical concepts
• Learn and apply a wide range of mathematical techniques
• Study applications of mathematics to mechanics and statistics

An essential part of maths is the challenge of analysing and solving a problem and the satisfaction and confidence gained from achieving a ‘correct’ answer. If you like understanding ‘why’, rather than just being able to ‘do’ maths, then this AS Level could be for you.

The course is studied alongside three other A Levels. It would particularly suit high achieving students wanting to add a fourth subject without adding a full A Level. In particular, AS Maths supports progress in the A Level sciences, economics and accounting, as it greatly improves your numeracy skills.  AS Maths would also allow students to study all three sciences - Biology, Chemistry and Physics - without taking a full A Level in maths, as all the mathematical knowledge and skills needed for A Level Physics are covered by AS Maths.