Courses

AS/A2 Mathematics

All IC6 schools

Course Outline

Mathematics is a valuable support for advanced level sciences and subjects such as Geography and Economics. Mathematics is fundamental for every aspect of our lives, from work to leisure. It is the universal language that underpins all science, engineering and technology. The application of Mathematics in industry and commerce creates wealth and jobs.

The AS/A2 mathematics course offers flexibility and a wide choice of topics. You will be able to develop your awareness of the relevance of mathematics to other fields of study, to the world of work and to society in general as well as your understanding of the relationship between real-world problems and mathematical models. You will develop your abilities to reason logically and acquire practical skills in using technology such as calculators and computers effectively.

Course Structure

During your AS course you will take two pure mathematics core units that will extend your GCSE work on algebra, co-ordinate geometry and trigonometry and introduce you to the concept of calculus. You will also take either a mechanics unit (the mathematics of physical systems) or a statistics unit (the analysis and interpretation of data and probability distributions) .

At A2 level you will take two further pure mathematics units. You will also have a choice between a unit in either further mechanics or further statistics.

Entry Requirements

6 GCSEs Grade A* to C including at least a Grade B in Mathematics.

Assessment

100% examination.

Progression

A knowledge of advance mathematics is essential in a wide range of careers from the sciences to economics, business and computing.

Pre-course reading or preparation

Countdown Mathematics Volume 2 Volume 2 consists of Modules 5-9 and covers geometry, graphs, trigonometry and algebra. The emphasis here is on the manipulative skills which are necessary for most mathematical courses beyond GCSE standard. Published: 01/01/1981 Publisher: Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc ISBN: 9780201137316
Head Start to AS Maths Bridging the Gap Between GCSE and AS Level. Published by CGP www.cgpbooks.co.uk.
“Teach Yourself Calculus” Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton (focus on Chapters 1, 3 and 4)