Mathematics & Further Mathematics A Level Exam Information
A Level
Course Content
Following the recent A Level reforms, the course is now fully prescribed. This means that all students will study exactly the same content. Two thirds of the course will consist of Pure Mathematics, one sixth will consist of Mechanics and one sixth will consist of Statistics.
Pure Mathematics focusses on the methods and techniques that underpin the subject. Some of this will be extension of ideas that were explored at IGCSE, while other ideas will be entirely new. Topics include:
Algebra
Trigonometry
Calculus
Vectors
Proof
Mechanics is the branch of the subject that deals with the physical world around us. Essentially we look at how (and why) things move and we use our Mathematics to make predictions about how they will behave. Topics include:
Force
Newton’s Laws
Kinematics
Moments
In Statistics we try to make some sense of the vast quantities of data that pervade the modern world. We look at how data is collected, analysed and presented. We also look at the techniques which statisticians use to make informed decisions based upon the evidence that they have available to them. Topics include:
Sampling
Data presentation and interpretation
Probability
Hypothesis testing
Course Structure
There will be three two-hour exams at the end of the Upper Sixth.
Reading and Resources
A graphical calculator is essential. We sell the Casio fx-9860GII in the department (at cost price) and would encourage all students to acquire this model. Other calculators will certainly be serviceable but we can’t guarantee that we’ll be able to offer help with different models during lessons. No additional reading is required, although the department is always happy to recommend books on recreational Mathematics (of which there are many). Additional resources to help with exam preparation can be found on the MEI Integral website.
Entry Requirements
Students must achieve a minimum of an 8 grade in Mathematics GCSE in order to study the subject at A Level.
Exam Board: Edexcel
A Level Further Mathematics
Students may elect to study Further Mathematics alongside Mathematics. This is an A Level qualification in its own right and it is timetabled just like any other subject. Further Mathematics is typically pursued by only the most confident Mathematicians and is extraordinarily valuable to those who intend to pursue a science-related subject in their future studies.
Course Content
Some of the material that we study is simply an extension of work that is covered as part of the standard Mathematics A Level (including more Mechanics and more Statistics). However we also look at some branches of the subject that are entirely new. These will include:
Hyperbolic functions
Differential Equations
Complex numbers
Matrices
Course Structure
There will be four 90 minute exams at the end of the Upper Sixth. These will be in addition to the exams taken as part of the Mathematics A Level.
Reading and Resources
As Mathematics (above)
Entry Requirements
The Further Mathematics course is suitable for students who have achieved a 9 grade at GCSE, although 8 grade may be acceptable in some cases.
Exam Board: Edexcel
