St. Edward's A Level Course Guide

Mathematics Edexcel

M AT H E M AT I C S

M AT H E M AT I C S

Mathematics A Level is a challenging yet rewarding course which is well respected by universities and employers alike. As part of the course, you will take a much deeper look at aspects of the GCSE syllabus such as trigonometry, functions and calculus as well as exploring new concepts such as logarithms and probability distributions. During the first year of the course, you will focus mainly on core mathematics, the more abstract theoretical content built around algebra, calculus and trigonometry. In the Upper Sixth, you will continue with core mathematics, but will also be introduced to statistics and mechanics, where you will be introduced to subjects such as Bayesian probability, hypothesis testing, kinematic modelling and connected particles. Throughout the course you will be encouraged to make use of graphical calculators. It should be noted that those who succeed at A Level tend to be those with at least a level 8 at iGCSE, as the course builds immediately on some of the more difficult IGCSE content.

Common university courses for pupils with A Level in Mathematics:

• Economics • Engineering • Accountancy and finance • Medicine

• Physics • Chemistry • Mathematics • Computer Science

The course is assessed at the end of the Upper Sixth with the following examinations:

COMPONENT

ASSESSMENT

CONTENT

Pure Mathematics

Two 2 hr examinations

• Proof • Algebra and functions • Coordinate Geometry • Sequences and Series • Trigonometry

• Calculus • Vectors

Statistics and Mechanics

One 2 hr examination

Part A: Statistics: • Data Presentation and interpretation • Probability • Statistical Distributions • Hypothesis Testing

Part B: Mechanics: • Kinematics • Forces and Newton’s Laws • Moments

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