Why study A level maths?
A level maths provides a framework to continue study after GCSE and supports your mathematical needs across a broad range of other subjects at this level. It also supports the study of A level further maths. The course introduces calculus and its applications. It emphasises how maths ideas are interconnected and how maths can be applied to model situations mathematically using algebra and other representations, to help make sense of data, to understand the physical world, and to solve problems in a variety of contexts, including social sciences and business.
Level: A level
Board: AQA
Head of department:
Mrs C Reeves
Entry requirement: Grade 7 GCSE maths; five grade 5s at GCSE including English
How is A level maths delivered and assessed?
| Year | Unit | Content | Assessment |
| 12 | Pure mathematics | Algebra and functions, coordinate geometry, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, integration | |
| Applied mathematics | Statistics: statistical sampling, data presentation, probability, statistical distributions Mechanics: vectors, kinematics, forces and Newton’s laws | ||
| 13 | Pure mathematics | Further work on year 12 topics plus numerical methods, further calculus, and vectors | |
| Applied mathematics | Statistics: hypothesis testing Mechanics: moments, variable acceleration | ||
| Paper 1 (33.3%) | Pure mathematics only | 2-hour written exam | |
| Paper 2 (33.3%) | Pure and applied mathematics (mechanics and statistics) | 2-hour written exam | |
| Paper 3 (33.3%) | Pure and applied mathematics (mechanics and statistics) | 2-hour written exam |
Assessment notes:
- All three exam papers are taken at the end of year 13
- Each paper is marked out of 100 and has equal weighting
- There is no coursework
-
A scientific calculator is required for all exams
