The AS Core modules in Mathematics cover Co-ordinate Geometry, Surds and Indices, Quadratics, Transformations of Graphs, Sequences and Series, Differentiation and Integration, Exponentials and Logarithms and Trigonometry.
In addition to these compulsory modules, students must study one applied module. The Statistics 1 module includes Organising and Summarising data, Linear Regression and Correlation, Discrete Random Variables and Probability, including the Normal Distribution.
Alternatively, by studying Mechanics 1, pupils learn about Vectors, Kinematics, Statics and Dynamics of a Particle and Moments.
Grade 7 in Maths GCSE and grade 6 in one Science GCSE
OR
External Students who have taken their maths early in years 10 or lower and gained a grade B will be required to sit an assessment test at the beginning of the course
For success at A level, it is essential that they are confident with 7-9 algebra skills (see other sheet). If they achieve a 7 through hard work on other topics, but are lacking in their algebraic skills, they will be found out very quickly at A level. Students taking A level Maths need to enjoy being challenged by new problems, and mastering each new skill that they encounter. The AS level course requires a much higher level of mastery than the GCSE course in order to achieve an A (i.e. you need to be confident with the whole course, not just large parts of it).
All students should pay attention to their teacher’s advice about whether they are well prepared to take A level Maths, and what they would need to do for a chance of success if not. We are very rarely wrong in our assessments of who is likely to struggle with the course, and this judgement can vary significantly from one student to another, even when they have the same GCSE grades.
Strong students who are potentially considering degrees in disciplines such as Maths, Physics, Economics or Engineering at University are strongly advised to research university course requirements at this point. Students sometimes decide not to take Further Maths at A level because they are finding it difficult to choose between subjects, but realise too late that Further Maths is becoming a much stronger expectation for such courses at good universities.
Student wishing to study Maths at a higher level, but are unable to due to the Blocks may wish to consider Core Maths. Students who do not meet the entry requirements for Maths may also want to consider this.
