Mathematics and Further Mathematics (Edexcel)

A level Mathematics allows you to extend your mathematical skill set from GCSE and apply it to a range of contexts. You will be able to form a deeper understanding and appreciation for its fundamental importance across other subjects and the wider world.

If you choose to also study A level Further Mathematics, you will have more of a chance to get creative by investigating concepts such as taking the square root of a negative number and applying your skills to a greater breadth of topics. If you really enjoy mathematics or are considering a degree course in mathematics or a subject with a substantial amount of mathematical content eg engineering, physics or economics, you should seriously consider Further Mathematics as an option.

We are using an increasing amount of IT in our Sixth Form teaching, including the use of graphical calculators.

Topics studied

Everyone taking Mathematics and Further Mathematics studies pure maths, mechanics and statistics. One teacher will focus on pure and statistics, while the other will focus on pure and mechanics. The course is assessed by examination at the end of the two years. You will have two exams on the pure content and one exam on the applied (statistics and mechanics) content.

Pure:

• Algebraic methods
• Calculus
• Trigonometry
• Vectors
• Binomial expansions
• Sequences and series
• Exponentials and logarithms
• Parametric equations

Statistics:

• Sampling
• Representing data
• Probability and distributions
• Correlation and regression
• Hypothesis testing

Mechanics:

• Forces
• Kinematics
• Moments
• Projectiles

Academic enrichment

You will have the opportunity to participate in the UKMT Mathematical Challenges as well as the Senior Team Challenge and external competitions such as Ritangle and Naboj. We also encourage you to engage with the UKMT mentoring scheme. The Sixth Form Maths Society gets involved in running competitions, clubs, viewing lectures and helping younger year groups with their maths. In Lower Sixth, you will have the opportunity to go to a ‘Maths Inspiration’ event.