The aims of the Mathematics Department are to enable students to:

• understand mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence, enjoyment and provides a good foundation for progress to further study or employment.
• reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning
• use their mathematical skills to solve challenging problems that require them to decide on appropriate strategies
• use calculators effectively and recognise when their use may be inappropriate
• take responsibility for their progress and develop the discipline necessary for their mathematical development.

Assessment

The A-Level in Mathematics consists of three papers:

• Papers 1 and 2 last for 2 hours each and cover topics on pure mathematics. Topics covered include: 

  proof, algebra and functions, coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, integration, numerical methods and vectors.

• Paper 3 consists of two 1 hour papers taken in one sitting. Section A (Statistics) covers the topics of 

  statistical sampling, data presentation and interpretation, probability, statistical distributions and statistical hypothesis testing. Section B (Mechanics) covers the topics of quantities and units in mechanics, kinematics, forces and Newton's laws and moments.

Progression onto Higher Education/Vocational Destinations

A-Level Mathematics is an acceptable qualification for degrees in mathematics, biological sciences, engineering,  environmental sciences, computer science, medicine and vocational fields such as law, accountancy, surveying etc. A-Level mathematics is an acceptable entry qualification into careers in banking, accountancy and other financial  and business areas, engineering, computing, electronics, surveying, architecture, etc.