Mathematics is so much more than a subject about numbers . Real maths is a heady mixture of exploring the abstract and deciphering the world around us. On a large scale mathematics provides us with the tools and language to decode the universe, but on a smaller, more human scale, it provides us with the practical knowledge to win at Monopoly! Studying Maths will equip you with the knowledge you need to understand all of the above and the skills required to live in an ever-increasingly technological world.
Subject Information
A level Mathematics is a mixture of Pure and Applied learning. The pure aspect refers to the content and abstract understanding of principles that are largely an extension of topics covered at GCSE. You will continue to learn about sequences, geometry, graphs, data analysis and proof, underpinned by some exciting new areas like Calculus.
The Applied aspect of the course focuses on using the Pure content to model and solve problems in real world situations. This primarily focuses on analysing ‘big data’ sets and modelling mechanical systems. Some examples of the types of applied problem solving you will undertake are: Investigating at what angle you need to throw a cricket ball to obtain the maximum distance; deciding how much money you need to invest to accrue a reasonable pension by the time you retire; and deciding how many chocolate chip cookies you really should expect inside a chocolate chip cookie.
Course Details
The Maths course consists of three main subject areas and each is assessed externally via a final examination paper.
The main topics covered are:
Pure Maths (approximately 66% of the course)
- Proof
- Algebra and functions
- Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
- Sequences and series
- Trigonometry
- Exponentials and logarithms
- Differentiation
- Integration
- Numerical methods
- Vectors
Mechanics (approximately 16% of the course)
- Quantities and units in mechanics
- Kinematics
- Forces and Newton’s laws
- Moments
Statistics (approximately 16% of the course)
- Statistical sampling
- Data presentation and interpretation
- Probability
- Statistical distributions
- Statistical hypothesis testing
Subject Specific Entry Requirements
- Grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics.
Where could Mathematics take me?
There is a reason Maths is the most popular A level subject in the country: not only is it an exciting and vibrant subject in its own right but it is the main facilitating subject for more undergraduate degree courses than any other post-16 subject. The content taught in Maths is essential for nearly every scientific, financial and IT-based degree course. It is often listed as desirable in less obvious courses that require heavy data analysis and reasoned logical arguments, like Psychology, Sociology, Geography and Law.
Maths fits well with subjects as diverse as Dance, Music, History and languages where it is valued for the skills it teaches in abstract thought, problem solving, reasoning and communication.
With the continued world-wide boom in STEM and Big Data employment opportunities, students with high levels of mathematical literacy not only have a growing world of exiting job opportunities open to them, but a proven link to increased lifetime earnings. Any job involving high levels of data analysis, numerical understanding, abstract thought and logical thinking requires the skills learned in Mathematics and this could be as diverse as a management consultant, architect, video games developer, stockbroker, engineer or lawyer.
Reading List
Below are some interesting books based on the history of Mathematics and full of problems and puzzles to have a go at:
- Alex’s Adventures in Numberland by Alex Bellos
- The Monty Hall Problem: Beyond Closed Doors by Rob Deaves
- The Music of the Primes by Marcus Du Sautoy
- The Mathematical Universe: Alphabetical Journey Through the Great Proofs, Problems & Personalities by William Dunham
- Fermat’s Last Theorem by Simon Singh
- The Great Mathematical Problems by Ian Stewart Can you Solve my Problems? by Alex Bellos How Many Socks Make a Pair? by Rob Eastaway
- Why do Buses Come in Threes? by Rob Eastaway and Jeremy Wyndham
- The Liar Paradox and the Towers of Hanoi: 10 Greatest Math Puzzles of All Time by Marcel Danesi
- Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension by Matt Parker
