Mathematics (AQA)

Mathematics is a science based on the logic of quantity, order, arrangement, 3D space, structure and change. Mathematics is all around us and has been studied for thousands of years. With the technology of the modern age we are more reliant on it than ever before. Human knowledge of mathematics enables our stock exchanges and economies to run smoothly, facilitates us to communicate with each other from almost anywhere in the world and permits us to travel large distances safely in a relatively small amount of time.

Mathematics is a “facilitating subject”, which gives students that study it a large choice of university courses, apprenticeships and careers. Someone who wants to study medicine will benefit by understanding how bacteria population will grow, and then decay when treated, and will also be able to understand the statistical analysis demonstrating the effectiveness of a new drug. A future pilot will develop an understanding of how their plane remains stable in the air despite changes in air pressure and wind speed, and can remain on course around a spherical planet over a 6000km journey.

Mathematics complements the arts and humanities, enabling students to acquire a broad range of skills during their time in the sixth form, developing their ability to think strategically and creatively, and also their aptitude for reasoning thoroughly and concisely. Mathematics supports the study of other subjects. For example students studying Mathematics alongside Geography or Psychology will be much more proficient in the statistical areas of these subjects.

A Level

Paper 1 assesses:

– Pure Maths: proof, algebra and functions, coordinate geometry, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, integration and numerical methods.

Assessment: Written exam, 2 hours, 1/3 of A Level

Paper 2 assesses:

– Pure Maths content from Paper 1 and

– Mechanics: vectors, quantities and units, kinematics, forces, Newton’s laws and moments.

Assessment: Written exam in two sections, 2 hours, 1/3 of A Level

Paper 3 assesses:

– Pure Maths content from Paper 1 and

– Statistics: statistical sampling, data presentation and interpretation, probability, statistical distributions and statistical hypothesis testing.

Assessment: Written exam, 2 hours, 1/3 of A Level

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Five GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including Grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics.

Updated September 2023