AS and A Levels courses

AS Level - Mathematics

Duration: Normal daytime attendance.
See current timetable for sessions.

There are many reasons for studying AS level Mathematics; it is certainly true that AS level Mathematics is a most employable subject providing the foundation for a whole range of occupations. It may even be the case that you simply enjoy the subject. Whatever the reason AS level Mathematics at the North East Lincolnshire 6th Form Institute Partnership is designed to be an interesting, flexible and enjoyable experience.

All AS level Maths students are encouraged to work with a greater range of materials and resources in order to deepen their mathematical experience, broaden learning opportunities and provide the kind of learning environment in which mathematical development can flourish.

Entry Requirements

AS Maths courses assume that students are familiar with the syllabus content of the Higher Level GCSE. Students are expected to have achieved a B grade or above at the higher tier. Students who achieved a grade C at the Higher tier, or a grade B at the Intermediate tier will be required to have an interview with a course tutor, to determine their suitability for studying Maths at this level. During the first half-term students will be expected to improve on their algebra skills, because the course has a high algebra content. A test in algebra will be set early in the first term and a pass in this test is essential to continuing the course.

What you learn

Mathematics at AS level is a course worth studying in its own right. It is challenging but interesting. It builds on work you will have met at GCSE, but also involves new ideas that some of the greatest minds of the millennium have produced. It serves as a very useful support for many other qualifications as well as being a sought after qualification for the workplace and courses in Higher Education.

Whilst studying Mathematics, you will be expected to:
Use mathematical skills and knowledge to solve problems
Solve quite complicated problems by using mathematical arguments and logic
Understand and demonstrate what is meant by proof in Mathematics
Simplify real life situations so that you can use Mathematics to show what is happening and what might happen in different circumstances
Use the Mathematics that you learn to solve problems that are given to you in a real-life context
Use calculator technology and other resources effectively and appropriately; understand the limitations and when it is inappropriate to use such technology
You will study the following units:
Cl Pure Maths
Algebra and functions
Equations and inequalities
Co-ordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane
Sequences and series
Differentiation
Integration

C2 Pure Maths
Algebra and Functions
Co-ordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane
Sequences and Series
Trigonometry
Exponential and Logarithms
Differentiation
Integration

One of the following Applied Maths Units will also be studied during the AS year.

D1 Decision Maths
Algorithms
Algorithms on graphs
The route inspection problem
Critical path analysis
Linear programming
Matchings

M1 Mechanics
Mathematical modelling in mechanics
Vectors in mechanics
Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line with constant acceleration
Dynamics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane
Statics of a particle
Moments
Momentum and impulse

S1 Statistics
Mathematical models in probability and statistics
Representation and summary of data
Probability
Correlation and regression
Discrete random variables
Continuous distributions

What next?

Students can progress to a full A level in Mathematics by taking three further modules in Year 2 (Upper Sixth).

All students take units C3 and C4 in Pure Maths together with a second applications unit from the list M1 and S1.

The range of options open to an AS/A level Maths student is vast, be it employment or Higher Education. Previous students have continued their education by studying for degrees in Maths, Physics, Economics or the Applied Sciences to name just a few.
There are many areas of employment that see Mathematics as an important qualification and it is often a requirement for the vocational qualifications related to these areas. Higher education courses or careers that either require A level Mathematics or are strongly related include:
Economics
Medicine
Engineering
Accountancy
Teaching
Psychology
Environmental Studies
Computing
Information Technology

How is the course assessed?

Assessment is by external examination with the opportunity of sitting the modules in January or June. One of the main advantages of this assessment procedure is that a student may retake an examination in any module in order to improve the points for that module before 'cashing in' for an AS or A level certificate.

Which campus?

Nuns Corner.