AS/A2 Mathematics
Mathematics is the language of Science and Technology. It is sometimes studied as a discipline in its own
right (core/pure Maths), but it is usually employed in solving real world problems (Applied Maths:
Mechanics, Statistics, decision making, etc). AS/A2 Mathematics includes aspects of both strands of the
subject.
Studying Mathematics to A2 and beyond can lead to a career in one or more of a wide variety of fields
such as education, accountancy, investment banking, meteorology, computer programming, modelling the
spread of disease, designing aerodynamic vehicles and many more.
Mathematics is a challenging, rewarding and diverse subject which is in demand from employers. Due to
the challenging nature of the course we ask for a minimum of a strong grade B at GCSE Mathematics in
order to study the subject at AS/A2 Level.
Course Overview
Students typically study the following combination modules:
AS
A2
Core 1
Core 2
Statistics 1
Core 3
Core 4
Mechanics 1
Assessment
Students will follow the OCR MEI (Mathematics in Education and Industry) specification, taking an exam
for each module in the Summer term. Students also complete a piece of coursework for the Core 3
module.
Each student is given access to the MEI Resources website which provides further revision material, past
exam papers with worked solutions and key tips. Students are required to complete online assessments
which give instant feedback and assistance if necessary.
Continued …
AS/A2 Further Mathematics
Students with a particularly strong aptitude for Mathematics (gaining A or A* at GCSE) who wish to study a
mathematically rich degree in the future should consider studying Further Mathematics at AS/A2 in
addition to A2 Mathematics. The course is structured and assessed in a similar way to AS/A2
Mathematics and is a second qualification.
Studying Further Mathematics gives students a far wider range of mathematical topics than a single A
Level in Mathematics. This includes complex numbers, matrices, group theory, Markov chains and much
more. As a result students who have studied Further Mathematics find the transition to certain degree
courses easier than other students.
Course Overview
AS
A2
Further Pure 1
Decision 1
Numerical Methods
Further Pure 2
Further Pure 3
Statistics 2
Assessment
The assessment structure is identical to AS/A2 Mathematics, but the Numerical Methods module includes
a piece of coursework.
Core Mathematics Qualification
The government has announced the introduction of new qualifications to be taught from September 2015
under the heading “Core Mathematics”. These are aimed at students who have achieved at least a grade
C in GCSE Mathematics but who are not studying the subject at A Level.
The purpose of the new qualification is to enable a wider group of students to pursue Mathematics beyond
GCSE and achieve a level 3 certificate. Continuing to study Mathematics beyond GCSE supports
students’ learning in other subjects and helps to prepare them for employment or further study.
Please talk to us if you would be interested in studying a Core Mathematics qualification so that we can
gauge the level of demand for a course in this area. Precise details of assessment are still under
negotiation between the exam boards and Ofqual.
Further information is available from Mr Skipper (Joint Head of Department).