Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Core Mathematics

Whatever maths means to you, the breadth of applications is immense. Maths underpins most of science, technology and engineering and is also important in areas as diverse as business, law, nutrition, sports science and psychology. There are many opportunities to use maths to make a difference in society, for example through the analysis involved in medical research, developing new technology, modelling epidemics or in the study of patterns of criminal activity to identify trends.

A Level Further Mathematics is a second A Level in maths, designed to broaden and deepen the maths covered in A Level Mathematics. It is taken alongside A Level Mathematics.

Core Maths develops the skills you need to apply maths to the kinds of real-life problems you’ll meet in study, work and life. If your courses contain some Maths e.g. Biology, Geography, Psychology, PE, DT then this will help you. Many universities will give you a lower offer if you already have a grade B or above in Core Maths. This course is only studied for one year with the exam at the end of the Lower Sixth and is equivalent to an AS.

The skills developed through the study of maths are in high demand from employers and universities. In addition to developing the ability to solve problems and think logically, the study of maths provides opportunities to develop team-working skills, resilience, effective communication of complex ideas and the ability to use your own initiative.

A Level Mathematics is the most popular A Level subject. It involves studying • pure maths – use of algebra, graphical techniques and calculus • statistics - including analysis of data, interpretation of graphs such as scatter diagrams, and new topics including the Normal distribution and hypothesis testing • mechanics– studying the motion of objects by considering forces, using ‘suvat’ equations and interpreting graphs representing motion

In Further Maths you cover more topics in Pure Maths and will also study a selection of elements from Pure Maths, Statistics, Mechanics or Decision Maths.

The Core Maths course includes new content such as statistics which includes the Normal Distribution, financial maths and using algebra. You will learn to analyse data to make decisions and use spreadsheets and percentages in real-life contexts. Core Maths helps with the maths needed for a broad range of other subjects.

Studying A Level Music is an opportunity to share and expand your musical passion and enthusiasm. The study of creative subjects, like music, is becoming even more important and relevant to young people to give you the chance to succeed – whatever your ambitions.

This subject is not only suitable for pupils who intend to continue their musical studies at university or conservatoire, but also for those who wish to extend their understanding of music for its intrinsic value and interest or for the pleasure they derive from it. As a subject which requires both artistic and scientific skills, universities value music A-level immensely. It acts as an excellent foil to the subjects found in many other ‘traditional’ combinations.

As a musician you will find many opportunities to meet other people, build relationships, work with others as part of a wider community, and develop and improve your personal wellbeing.

You should have an inherent curiosity about music in all its various forms, and the why as opposed to simply the what. You must have an open mind to all musical genres, and a desire to delve into music in the highest detail as a performer, composer and listener.

• You will develop your existing performance skills, understanding and explaining the decisions a performer has made, as well as questioning those decisions in your own performances. • You will develop your composition skills, gaining an understanding of the composer’s craft and how to put this into practice in your own pieces. • You will develop your listening and appraising skills, understanding and explaining why composers make particular choices as well as analysing the intended effect on the listener.

• Performance

Solo and/or ensemble performing.

• Composition

A portfolio of compositions including one composition to a set brief and one free composition.

• Appraising Music o Study of three historical topics to include a study of the Western Classical Tradition pre-1900 and Modern Art Music. Additional options for the third topic can include Jazz, Musical Theatre and Music for Media.