Overton Grange School
Sixth Form
MATHEMATICS
WHY STUDY MATHEMATICS?
Mathematics is a very desirable qualification to have! Employers recruit mathematicians not only
for their mathematical knowledge but also for the skills of logic. These skills we hope you will
develop as the course continues.
POSSIBLE CAREER/HIGHER EDUCATION ROUTES
Many universities offer courses in Mathematics, which will obviously require a very good grade at
A2 level.
However, the following courses also have a mathematical element:
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Engineering, in particular Mechanics
Psychology, Geography and Medicine will have some element of statistics
Architecture and Computer Science courses usually require some knowledge of
mathematics at AS level
Accountancy and Finance courses would certainly welcome students from a mathematical
background
Astronomy and Physics courses link very well with mathematical minds.
AIMS OF THE COURSE
In addition to developing your mathematical skills, the course aims to develop your ability to work
independently, your ability to work with others, and also your awareness of the relevance of
mathematics to other fields of study, to the world of work and to society in general.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The minimum requirement for the course is GCSE grade B. All students will be expected to
complete a ‘Bridging the gap to A-Level’ assessment at the end of the GCSE exam period before
the Summer holidays. Students will be given a ‘Bridging the gap to A-Level’ booklet to work
through during the Summer holiday to help prepare yourself for the A Level course. This booklet
will help you understand A-A* GCSE work, on which you will be assessed in your first lesson. This
A-A* work is the foundation of the maths at A-Level, and you need to gain at least 60% to pass.
The booklet will be available at: http://overtongrangemathsks5.wikispaces.com, where you can
also find video links and links to mymaths to help you revise on key skills you need for A level
maths.
If you do not pass the assessment, then your parents will be informed and you will spend one
hour after school every day for two weeks catching up with the work, to ensure you are ready
for the A-Level course.
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THE COURSE
Each Mathematics course comprises 6 modules over the 2 years. Core Mathematics is a
compulsory element of the course, and deals with the fundamentals of the subject – Algebra,
Trigonometry, Logarithms etc. This is broken into 4 modules – C1 (non-calculator) and C2 covered
in year 12; C3 and C4 covered in yr 13. There are then 2 additional units depending on your course:
Course
Maths
Mechanics
Maths
Statistics
Further
Maths
Two A Levels
(Maths and
Further
Maths)
Modules Studied–
AS
C1 6663 M1 6677
C2 6664
C1 6663 S1 6683
C2 6664
M1 6677 S1 6683
D1 6689
AS Cash-in code
Maths 8371
Maths 8371
Maths 8371 and
Further Maths
8372
Maths (using C1-2 and e.g. M1)
and Further Maths (using FP1, and
remaining two applied units)
Modules Studied –
A2 Cash-in code
A2
C3 6665
M2
Maths 9371
C4 6666
6678
C3 6665
S2
Maths 9371
C4 6666
6689
M2 6678
Maths 9371 and
S2 6684
Further Maths
S3 6685
9372
M3 6679
Maths (using C1-4, and any two applied
units)
and Further Maths (using FP1, FP2, and
remaining four applied units)
Maths with Mechanics or Maths with Statistics is an option that the student needs to choose. We
do intend to offer both options but this is subject to numbers.
All modules provide equal weighting. (i.e. C1 is worth 75 marks, M1 is worth 75 marks etc)
Specifications, the formula book given in exams and past papers can be all downloaded from the
EdExcel website www.edexcel.com and in the maths department site for A level maths
http://overtongrangemathsks5.wikispaces.com
Go directly there for most past papers:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/gce-leg/maths/Pages/default.aspx
For most recent spec and formula booklet:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/gce08/maths/Pages/default.aspx
ASSESSMENT
Modules CAN be taken only May or June – these can be retaken in year 13 if you feel they are
holding your overall grade back but there will be a related cost.
 All examination papers are 1 hour and 30 minutes
 All papers will be marked out of 75
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GRADE BOUNDARIES
A
80
B
70
C
60
D
50
E
40
U
<40
Getting an A*
A* will be awarded at A level, but not at AS. The general principle is that achievement at A2
should be recognised and so an A* will be awarded to students who achieve a grade A overall
(480 UMS or more) with 90% or more on the aggregate of the UMS of the A2 units, and have 180
UMS or more on the total of their C3 and C4 units.
For Further Mathematics, A* will be awarded to students who have achieved a grade A overall
(480 UMS or more) and 270 UMS or more on their best three A2 units (whether pure or applied
units).
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CONTACT DETAILS
If you want to find out more about taking A level Mathematics at Overton Grange School please
contact: Ms C Allanson (Head of Department) or Mr E Campos (KS5 Leader)
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