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Mathematics Department
Head of Mathematics: Mr T Palmer
Second in Charge: Mrs J Wheatley
Mathematics Teacher: Mrs K Butler
Mathematics Teacher: Mr J Hansford
Aims
- To set challenging targets with high expectations for all pupils.
- To offer a variety of approaches to teaching and learning to engage and motivate pupils and demand their active participation.
- To smooth the transition for pupils between Key Stages and ensure progression in teaching and learning throughout their time at School.
- To explore enrichment opportunities outside the curriculum to enhance pupils’ enjoyment of mathematics.
Introduction
Why would you choose to study Mathematics at AS and A level? If you enjoy the challenge of problem solving and want to have a range of rewarding careers open to you then Mathematics is the subject for you. A recent report in the Times Educational Supplement said that young people with A level Mathematics earn on average over 10 per cent more than those without A level Mathematics and that the lack of students without A level Mathematics has cost the economy in excess of £9 billion. It is clear that a shortage of highly numerate candidates in the job market means employers pay a premium for the problem solving and number crunching skills taught in A level Mathematics.
Mathematics is a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing subject in its own right. The famous Mathematician G H Hardy once wrote “There is no permanent place in the world for ugly mathematics. The beauty lies not in the shape of the symbols but in the ideas behind them”
Mathematics also teaches you the ability to think logically and to follow an argument through to its logical conclusion. This skill is particularly useful in business/computing, and many other areas of life. One example of this concerns the statements A implies B and B implies A. If you take the statement if it is raining then I carry an umbrella then you cannot say that it follows that if I am carrying an umbrella then it is raining. (Why not?)
Should I Take A level mathematics?
To take a Mathematics course you ideally need an A*/A grade at Mathematics GCSE, although in certain circumstances a B grade at Higher Level GCSE may be sufficient, but each case will be assessed individually, and in this case the AS Level course will be recommended. Those students in Set 1 should give serious consideration to taking Mathematics and Further Mathematics.
Mathematics, at A and AS Level, is normally divided into four main topic areas. Pure Mathematics (Core Mathematics), Mechanics, Statistics and Decision Mathematics.
Pure Mathematics extends the work of GCSE but has far greater emphasis on algebra and is much more abstract. It includes for example, Trigonometry, Differentiation, Integration, the properties of functions and their graphs, algebraic techniques and in general it covers the theory and techniques required for Statistics, Mechanics and Decision Mathematics.
Mechanics (sometimes known as Applied Mathematics) you study Forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion. This branch of Mathematics is particularly useful for students who have an interest in Physics or Engineering.
Statistics is concerned with the analysis of data and mathematical modelling using probability theory. You study; Mathematical models in probability and statistics; representation and summary f data; probability; correlation and regression; discrete random variables;discrete distributions; the Normal distribution. Statistics is particularly useful for students who may go on to study Economics, Psychology and many other degrees that have a Statistics module associated with them.
Decision Mathematics uses algorithms (methods) to solve different types of problems, such as sorting data, flow diagrams, maximising profit, maximising flow (water along pipes, traffic along roads), travelling salesman problem (minimum distance travelled to visit all towns required) to name a few. This course will be useful to those who are also studying Computing and/or Business Studies.
We will be using the London EDEXCEL examination board. Further details of their units and specifications may be found at www.edexcel.org.uk. We will not be able to offer every combination allowed by the examination board but we are hoping to offer the following courses in September, availability depends upon the number of pupils opting for each course.
Curriculum
GCSE Maths a Modular Structure
All students at Saint Augustine’s study Edexel Modular Maths. It is 100% external assessment consisting of:
- Unit 1 - 20% Data Handling modular test.
- Unit 2 - 30% Algebra, Number Shape and Space.
- Modular test containing:
- Stage 1 non-calculator multiple choice test.
- Stage 2 traditional calculator question and answer booklet.
- Unit 3 – Terminal 50% external assessment Algebra, Number Shape and Space (calculator and non-calculator papers).
All the units and stages have independent discrete content.
| Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | |||
| Section A calc Section B non-calc |
Stage 1 non-calc | Stage 2 calc | Non-calc | Calc | |
| Weighting | 20% | 15% | 15% | 25% | 25% |
| Foundation tier | Paper 5 40mins |
Paper 7 30mins |
Paper 9 30mins |
Paper 11 1hr |
Paper 12 1hr |
| Higher tier | Paper 6 |
Paper 8 30mins |
Paper 10 30mins |
Paper 13 1hr 10 |
Paper 14 1hr 10 |
Mathematics AS Level Course
Modules: - Core 1, Core 2 and either Statistics 1,Mechanics 1 or Decision 1
This extends the work of GCSE mathematics significantly but would be useful to those who enjoy mathematics but do not wish to take the full A level course. To those whom a little study of mathematics may help their other A Levels subjects such as any Science, Computing, Technology, Geography, Economics, Business Studies, etc. Or those who intend to take any course at university, which is remotely mathematical. This course covers three different areas of mathematics and thus provides a breadth of study. There may be an option to choose either the Decision Module 1, or Mechanics 1 or the Statistics 1, depending upon the number of students interested in studying either module.
Mathematics A Level Courses
Year 12 Modules: - Core 1, Core 2, Statistics 1/Mechanics1/Mechanics1
Year 13 Modules: - Core 3, Core 4, Mechanics 1/Decision 1/Statistics1
All students must study the Core Mathematics modules 1,2, 3 and 4. The Mechanics 1 module will help those students studying A Level's in Physics, Chemistry or Design Technology. The Statistics 1 module will help those students studying Economics, Geography, Biology and Computing. The Decision Module 1 will help those students studying Business Studies or Information Technology.
Further Mathematics A Level
Year 12 Modules: FP1, Numerical Methods 1, Decision 1 or Statistics 1
Year 13 Modules: FP2, and two of the following: Mechanics2, Statistics2, Decision2
The Further Pure Modules 1, 2, and 3 comprise the main core of the Further Mathematics Course. These modules extend the work covered in C1, C2, C3 and C4. Year 12 work covers the complete Mathematics A Level course and Year 13 work covers the complete Further Mathematics A Level course. This combination of modules offered, combining Core/Pure Mathematics with Applied Mathematics provides a greater breadth of study as well as a greater depth of study. This course is ideal for any students wishing to study Mathematics at University.
Future Opportunities
Mathematics may be combined with many other A levels and leads to many different careers such as Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy, Actuarial Science, Dentistry, Accountancy and Teaching. Many prospective employers are looking for individuals with critical thinking skills combined with a willingness to tackle difficult problems. A level Mathematics offers evidence of these abilities.
Additional Points To Note
Many students find they enjoy Mathematics and go on to study Mathematics at University. If you’re thinking of studying Mathematics at University, or if you’ve got an interest in Engineering or Physical and Biological Science, you might also want to improve your chances of going to one of the most prestigious universities by also studying AS or A level Further Mathematics.
Course Structure
| MODULE | EXAM TIME | UMS | FRACTION OF A/S | FRACTION OF A2 |
| AS | ||||
| Core 1 | 1&1/4hrs | 100 | 1/3 | 1/6 |
| Core 2 | 1&1/2hrs | 100 | 1/3 | 1/6 |
| One of S1/M1/D1 | 1&1/2hrs | 100 | 1/3 | 1/6 |
| Max | 300 | |||
| A2 | ||||
| Core 3 | 1&1/2hrs | 100 | n/a | 1/6 |
| Core 4 | 1&1/2hrs | 100 | n/a | 1/6 |
| One of S1/M1/D1 | 1&1/2hrs | 100 | n/a | 1/6 |
| Max | 600 |
