WHY STUDY MATHEMATICS?
The skills and techniques which are developed in Mathematics play a significant part in many other disciplines. Mathematics, as well as being an important subject in its own right, is vital as a support for many subjects, both at AS/A level and in Higher Education. A qualification in Mathematics is therefore a valid and desirable goal for many students, whatever their long-term aims may be.
THE COURSE
The scheme of work followed by students in KS5 has been written in accordance with the WJEC GCE AS/A Mathematics and GCE AS/A Further Mathematics courses.
At AS/A level, you choose one of two possible courses –
either Mathematics (including Mechanics) consisting of modules C1, C2 and M1 (AS level) and C2, C3 and M2 (A level)
or Mathematics (including Statistics) consisting of modules C1, C2 and S1 (AS level) and C3, C4 and S2 (A level).
Students taking the Further Mathematics Course will take a further six units and will have obtained two Alevels by the end of year 13.
Modules C1 to
C4 are compulsory and develop the ideas of algebra, trigonometry and geometry
first studied in the GCSE course. Calculus is introduced.
Mechanics is the mathematical study of concepts such as force, motion, equilibrium and momentum. It is the recommended option if also studying Physics.
Statistics involves the analysis of data and the use of statistical theory to make judgements about the validity and implications of results.
Module M2 develops the topics studied in M1 and
introduces new topics such as projectiles and impulse.Mechanics is the mathematical study of concepts such as force, motion, equilibrium and momentum. It is the recommended option if also studying Physics.
Statistics involves the analysis of data and the use of statistical theory to make judgements about the validity and implications of results.
Module S2 develops the topics studied in S1 and introduces new topics such as hypothesis testing.
|
Module |
AS level Module Title and
Content |
Assessment |
|
1
|
Core Mathematics 1 (C1) Indices, surds, quadratic
expressions, coordinate geometry, factor theorem, binomial expansion, graphs
and differentiation. This module is non-calculator.
|
1½ hr
Examination
(May/June) |
|
2
|
Core Mathematics 2 (C2) Trigonometry, sequences, series,
logs, circles, trapezium rule and integration.
|
1½ hr
Examination
(May/June) |
|
3
|
Mechanics 1 (M1)
Forces, equilibrium, kinematics, momentum. or Statistics 1 (S1) Analysis of data and probability distrubutions. |
1½ hr
Examination
(May/June) |
|
|
A2 level Module Title and Content
|
|
|
4
|
Core Mathematics 3 (C3) Functions, trigonometry,
differentiation, integration, numerical methods.
|
1½ hr
Examination
(May/June) |
|
5
|
Core Mathematics 4 (C4) Algebra, binomial series,
differentiation, integration, differential equations, vectors.
|
1½ hr
Examination
(May/June)
|
|
6
|
Mechanics 2 (M2) Centre of mass, projectiles, energy, power.
or Statistics 2 (S2) Distributions, sampling and hypothesis tests. |
1½ hr
Examination
(May/June) |
