Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4

Key Stage 5

Schemes of Work

Module C1

Module C2

Module C3

Module C4

Module FP1

Module FP2

Module FP3

Module M1

Module M2

Module S1

Module S2

Module D1

Module D2

Subject content

In September 2004 AS and A level Mathematics underwent a change. The structure and content for Maths now has an increased weighting towards Pure Mathematics.

In the AS and A2 qualifications each student will take two units in Pure Maths (C1 and C2 in Year 12, C3 and C4 in Year 13) and choose one optional unit. At Oakwood Park we offer options in Mechanics, Statistics & Decision Maths.

Each of the course areas: Pure Mathematics, Mechanics, Statistics and Decision Maths are divided into modules:

Pure Maths Modules - C1 to C4 & FP1 to FP3

Mechanics - Modules M1 to M4

Statistics - Modules S1 and S2

Decision Maths - Modules D1 and D2

A single AS comprises three modules and a single A level comprises six modules. Further mathematicians will take 12 modules comprising seven modules of Pure and five application modules (Decision, Mechanics & Statistics).

Pure Maths is an extension of the material covered at Higher Level GCSE. Mechanics has strong links with the mathematical and modelling content found in Physics. Statistics gives some support to subjects such as Geography, Psychology and Sports Science. Decision Maths contains algorithms which are encountered in the Computing courses.

Students aiming to complete the two year A level course should have achieved at least grade A at GCSE. Students interested in the AS course should have achieved at least grade B at higher level GCSE and be confident with algebra.

Mathematics A level is a challenging and stimulating subject. It allows students the scope to think in an abstract manner, demonstrate problem solving skills and develop logical reasoning. Such attributes are valued by Higher Education Institutions and potential employers.

Pure Maths.

This constitutes two thirds of the course and forms the basis for some of the work done in statistics and mechanics. We do not expect either purity of soul or purity of thought to be successful at pure mathematics, but it is necessary that you are logical.

It is not possible to explain fully what the course entails as much of the terminology will be unfamiliar. However, very briefly the pure maths syllabus contains the study of algebra, graphs, series, trigonometry, vectors, calculus, etc. Many of the topics you will have touched on at GCSE and you will be expected to have a basic background knowledge of real numbers, indices, ratio and proportion, equations, formulae, graphs, triangles, volumes and circle properties.

Mechanics

This is the application of maths to physical problems, e.g. in the construction of a bridge, it is necessary to know what would be the effects of traffic movement, wind speed or length of bridge on the materials used. Mathematics is used in the planning prior to construction and without it we would not be a developed nation. Some topics covered are:

•  The effect of friction on static and moving bodies (the term 'body' is used to describe any solid and does not necessarily refer to dead humans!)

•  The impact of two or more moving bodies, e.g. snooker balls.

Mechanics is the study of the action of forces on bodies, e.g. wind force on the flight of planes or water force on a water-skier. Under these forces bodies may be at rest (as with the dead human sort) or in motion. These two states are called static and dynamic.

Decision Mathematics

•  the use of algorithms applied to graphs and route inspection problems. One example is the Travelling Salesperson problem.

•  Linear programming in order to establish the possibilities given various constraints within a problem.

•  Critical Path Analysis in order to work out the optimum time a multi faceted task can be completed in.

Statistics and Probability.

The only background needed is arithmetic and some algebra. Statistics is the study of information or data. It is not just about drawing histograms, pie chart etc. although presenting data is part of the course. You will need to be able to understand the difficulties of collecting data in a fair way and cope with the vast amount of data that would come in from a survey or an experiment. More importantly, bearing in mind any bias in the data, you will learn how to interpret and analyse the information, make sensible decisions about it and make predictions.

With all data there is some degree of uncertainty. Probability gives a way of measuring uncertainty and plays an important part in analysing data. Statistics plays an important role in nearly all aspects of life, e.g. biology, business, chemistry, economics, electronics, engineering, geography, medicine, physics, psychology and sociology.

Further Mathematics.

This would be a second A level and cannot be taken without studying Mathematics (however clever you are!). Again you can only take this course on your teacher recommendation and if you have the ability to achieve an A* at GCSE. We call maths and further maths 'Double Maths'. You also have the option of taking an AS in Further Maths.

The topics covered in pure maths are certainly more complex and abstract, but if you are considering studying a maths related subject at university and have the ability to study at this depth, you will find them stimulating, challenging and enjoyable. The topics in decision, mechanics and statistics can be described as an extension to the A-level syllabus rather than being more complex. Together with the pure maths, they provide an excellent basis for a maths degree.

A high proportion of our students go on to study Mathematics at 'A' or 'AS' Level.

A small number take Maths and Further Maths as two separate subjects.

Click here to see the A-level Maths Results for the past six years

Enrichment days and trips

•  Senior Mathematics Challenge

•  Exam skills day