Mathematics is a challenging and fascinating intellectual discipline and a subject with a long and illustrious history. By studying mathematics, you will be introduced to some very important ideas, analysis and mathematical applications. The course covers Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics. Statistics is used in other A Level subjects such as Biology, Geography and Psychology. Mechanics will complement Physics extremely well.
The first year of the course will cover the introductory material in Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics. Pure Mathematics examines topics such as algebra, trigonometry and geometry, which you will have some familiarity with from GCSE. You will extend your skills in these areas and be introduced to others, such as calculus which is one of the most important areas of mathematics. In Statistics, you will learn how to apply a variety of techniques to summarise, analyse and interpret numerical data. You will also look more closely at probability and its applications. In Mechanics you will consider Kinematics, which describes the motion of a particle; Statics and Dynamics, which examines the forces acting upon a particle at rest and in motion respectively.
During the second year, this model is repeated, but the mathematics becomes more complex and the problems more sophisticated.
There are three 2-hour examinations to be taken at the end of the two year course. Two of these are Pure Mathematics exams and the third is a paper which examines the applied aspects of the course - Statistics and Mechanics. All three papers are equally weighted (i.e. 33.33% of the qualification).