AS / A Level Maths is split into two disciplines: Pure Maths and Applied Maths.

Pure Maths is the method of Maths, the techniques required to solve problems - geometry, algebra and calculus.

Applied Maths contains modules in Statistics (S), Mechanics (M) and Decision Maths (D) and allows us to solve more contextual problems.

We would expect any AS level candidate to have achieved a grade B at GCSE, preferably an A or A* , but the main stipulation is that the students must be willing to work hard from September of the Lower 6^th onwards.

Further Mathematics

This is a more challenging A level and cannot be studied without Maths A level.

At AS level there is one compulsory Pure module (FP1) and there is then a choice of two more applied modules to fit together with the choices made in Maths.

At A level, FP2 is compulsory and again there is a choice for the other two modules.

Modules are taken in January and June of each year.

Further Maths is a very desirable A level for those students wanting to study Maths, Engineering or any related Maths based courses at University, particularly at the more academic universities.

Staffing

The Mathematics Department at St. Mary's College is a thriving department, staffed by four specialist Maths teachers, all with considerable experience.

They are :

Mrs J. Thomas BSc.(Hons) PGCE - Head of Department

Mr H. Sage BSc. (Hons)

Mrs M. Murphy BA (QTS) PGCE

Mr D. Linley MA PGCE

A level groups are shared by two teachers and 6^th Form students are encouraged to seek help from any member of the department.

Careers

Having a Maths A level shows any employer that you have a disciplined, logical mind. This is essential in many careers. Maths A level is especially useful for students wanting to study Maths/ Physics, Engineering, Accountancy and Actuarial Science, but Maths is used in many other careers from formulating computer games to researching avalanches!

Opportunities

A level Maths students have the opportunity to compete in the Senior Maths Challenge, an open competition which can result in their gaining Bronze, Silver or Gold certificates with the best students qualifying for further rounds. The Department also runs a trip to ‘Maths Inspiration' lectures on such topics as : The Maths of Rollercoasters; Catastrophe, Chocolate and the Electric Guitar; How to Build an Olympic Stadium; How to Cheat at Mind Reading and Maths Inside the Computer. The lectures are lively, fun and entertaining and pupils we have taken previously have really enjoyed seeing Maths in context.

And finally........

We are looking for people who enjoy doing Maths, are hardworking, committed and enthusiastic to join our thriving A level courses. It is rare that our students do not achieve their ALIS prediction; they very often achieve more than it. If you have any questions about studying for Maths A level, please do not hesitate to ask Mrs Thomas or one of the other Maths teachers and we will do our best to provide you with an answer.

The AS course consists of three modules, two compulsory pure modules

(C1 and C2) and one applied module, usually Statistics (S1). C1 is taken in January of the Lower 6^th, C2 and S1 in June of Lower 6^th. There is a similar framework at A2, two compulsory modules, C3 and C4 and one applied module, either S2, M1 or D1. C3 is taken in January of the Upper 6^th and C4 plus the applied module are taken in June.

There is no coursework element to Maths at Advanced level. Each modular exam lasts for 1 hour 30 mins.

The grade boundaries are :

A 80%, B 70%, C 60%,

D 50%, E 40%

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