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We offer three courses in Year 12. A-level Maths and A-level Further Maths, both of which are two year courses and carry through to Year 13. The third course we offer is Maths in Context (Core Maths) which is a level three qualification that is studied over one year.

Maths in Context allows students to continue their mathematical studies without doing a full A-level, with the qualification being worth a maximum of 20 UCAS points. Students study; applications of statistics, probability, linear programming and sequences and growth and are assessed at the end of the year by two 100min examinations that are weighted 40% and 60% respectively.

2017 saw the introduction of the new A level courses with pure maths, statistics and mechanics being combined for the A level Maths course. As all exam boards will be covering the same material there will no longer be any choice of application units. The final assessment will be via three equally weighted 2-hour examinations in June of Year 13.

Further Mathematics introduces students to new mathematical concepts that they have not previously met at GCSE or A-level Maths. They will revisit many of these new topics should

they opt to continue their study of Maths at degree level. Although based on pure mathematics, Further Maths allows more flexibility to extend studies into Additional Mechanics, Statistics, Decision Maths or yet more Pure Mathematics (the choice of the majority of the students will determine which of the options we offer). The assessment for this course will be through four equally weighted 1 ½ hour examinations.

The new A levels are designed to flow more naturally from the new GCSE course than the previous A levels did with the style of questioning being similar and the use of problem solving throughout, enabling student to make the transition more readily; the revamped A level looks to encourage linking topics rather than studying them in isolation, a skill already being taught within the new GCSE course.

For students hoping to eventually continue their Mathematical studies at top universities (Eg. Cambridge, Oxford, Warwick etc) we offer support for the subject specific tests that have to be taken as part of the application process.

You will be expected to have achieved at least a grade 6 at GCSE. A good grasp of Algebraic concepts is desirable. For Further Maths you will be expected to have achieved at least a grade 7 preferably a grade 8 or 9 at GCSE and having a good understanding of Algebra is essential.

 

Where will this course take me?

With a Maths degree you can go into Accountancy, Banking and Finance, Engineering, Medicine, Computer Games Design, Social Science, Architecture, Aviation and IT … to name but a few. Indeed Maths is the most common subject required for many degree courses. In fact there are very few degree courses for which Maths would not be useful. On average, a graduate of any degree can expect to earn £149,760 more in his or her lifetime than a person leaving education with two A levels. For Maths and Computing graduates, this figure rises to over £220,000! The demand for mathematically qualified people is increasing, rising by 20% between 2011 and 2013. Jobs in the Finance Sector for Maths graduates are usually offered salaries between £40k and £150K!

Core Maths (one year course)

The new ‘Core Maths’ qualifications are designed to better prepare students for the mathematical demands of study, employment and life.

The Core Maths initiative is a major part of the Government’s plan to increase participation and raise standards in Mathematics – the ambition is for most students to continue studying Mathematics to 18 by 2020. In the UK currently only 20% of students continue with Mathematics study post 16 whereas in many other countries this is nearer to 85%. This puts our young people at a disadvantage in the international market. The course has been developed with employers, universities and professional bodies as valuable preparation for university study and employment.

Who Is It For?

Post-16 students, with a GCSE grade 5 (grade C) or above, who want to continue to study Mathematics, but not at AS/A Level. How Will Students Benefit?

Core Maths builds on and strengthens students’ existing skills; focussing on using and applying Mathematics to solve problems relevant to their everyday lives.

The course helps students: Be better prepared for higher education and employment; Apply mathematical reasoning to solve real life problems; Analyse and interpret data; Confidently deal with everyday financial matters; Retain, deepen and extend their Mathematics knowledge.

 

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