Mathematics AS level

O V E R V I E W

AS Mathematics is an excellent option for students who like the subject but do not have the desire to study it as a full A level.

The course covers all the content from year 1 of the A level syllabus spread over two years. Students will gain further depth and understanding of the subject at a more relaxed pace. Students will develop their mathematical communication through full and logical working out, correct notation and clear reasoning when solving problems.

The course will cover content from Pure and Applied mathematics - which consists of statistics and mechanics. For this reason, AS Mathematics combines well with several subjects such as Physics and Economics.

Studying Mathematics will open doors to countless career paths and even at AS level the subject is highly regarded by universities and employers. AS maths allows students to keep their passion for maths burning, whilst finding an effective balance with their other studies.

Head of Department

Mr B Disley

Examination Board

Pearson/Edexcel

Specification

8MA0 The course is assessed through two exams in year 13. A two-hour Pure Maths exam worth 62.5% of the final grade and a 1.25-hour Statistics and Mechanics exam worth 37.5%.

Pure Mathematics: This is the cornerstone of the course and accounts for two-thirds of the assessment.

Some topics will be familiar from GCSE, such as algebra and trigonometry, but will be developed and studied in greater depth. Other topics will be completely new, such as calculus and logarithmic functions.

Statistics includes the analysis and representation of data, application of probability theory to model real life situations, and hypothesis testing. Building upon the foundations laid at GCSE.

Mechanics includes the study of forces and motion. Setting up and analysing mathematical models of problems in the real world. To succeed at AS level Mathematics you need to have shown an aptitude for maths at GCSE and some enjoyment of the subject. It is highly recommended that algebra is a strength and that you are able to confidently and fluently use algebra techniques from GCSE in a variety of situations.

As a minimum requirement you must have followed a Higher Tier course and gained GCSE grade 6.