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LYDIA, from Hartford - studying English Language; Geography, Chemistry, Extended Project
"English Language is by far my favourite subject at Sir John Deane’s College. The course content is fascinating, the teachers are delightful and the opportunities to get involved in creative writing outside classes are second to none!"
AS/A2 Mathematics
Study Maths if: You enjoy GCSE Mathematics and you find problem solving challenging. You want to apply Mathematics to real life problems. You want to develop your abilities to reason logically. You want a subject that supports your other choices.
What are the entry requirements?
You will be expected to have a least a Grade B in your GCSE Mathematics before you start this course.
What will I study and how will it be assessed?
We follow the MEI Structured Mathematics Scheme OCR specification (MEI stands for Mathematics in Education and Industry). This scheme will extend the range of mathematical concepts that you have met at GCSE. You will also see how mathematics is used in the real world. You will complete investigations that involve independent research on a range of topics and perform experiments as well as learn new ICT skills. There is some choice of modules at both AS level and A2 Level, which modules depends on the other subjects that you wish to study and your other interests. Don't worry too much at this stage about which option to take - there will be plenty of advice at the College Open Evenings and at your admissions interview.
The AS course
Two of the three modules, which make up the AS Mathematics course, are the compulsory modules Core 1 and Core 2. The final module is an applied one.
The Core 1 module includes algebra, co-ordinate geometry and curve sketching. This module will be examined in January and is compulsory.
The Core 2 module includes calculus, logarithms, trigonometry and number series. This module will be examined in June and is also compulsory. Students choose which applied module to study, which is examined in June.
Mechanics 1 and Decision 1 may be new branches of Mathematics that you have not met before. Statistics 1 will extend the statistical ideas that you will have seen before. Don’t worry – we start each module from the basics.
What topics are included in the AS applied modules?
Statistics 1
Extends ideas met at GCSE through analysing real life data using diagrams and calculations, probability, an introduction to probability distributions, hypothesis testing and random variables. Mechanics 1
Modelling real life situations, forces, motion, and projectiles. These require a substantial amount of algebra.
Decision 1
Application of algorithms to solve problems and make correct decisions. Problems often occur in commercial or industrial situations and require the use of algorithms, networks and linear programming to solve them.
Statistics 1
As for AS
Statistics 2
Extends ideas met at AS through analysing real life data using diagrams and calculations, probability, Poisson, Binomial and Normal probability distributions, hypothesis testing, correlation and association.
Mechanics 2
You will be modelling real life situations in such topics that include, moments of forces, friction, centre of mass, frameworks, work, energy, power, impulse and momentum.
Decision 1
As for AS above
Does Mathematics link particularly well with other subjects?
AS Level Mathematics will support your other choices at AS Level.
Where might it lead me?
Mathematics is important in all fields of industry and commerce so further study allows you to prepare for a range of careers. Mathematics is also an extremely important element in many degree courses and without it, further study of most sciences and engineering becomes very difficult, if not impossible.
Mathematics Support
All modules have SJD summary booklets in the form of a course guide and past papers. The department offers various levels of support for those students who are identified as needing extra sessions.
GCSE Mathematics Resit (EDEXCEL)
If you need a Grade C in GCSE for your career or university, do not despair. This 1-year modular course will give you the chance to increase your mathematical understanding and hence improve your examination grade. With a desire to succeed and a willingness to work, an improvement of at least one grade is usual. The highest grade possible in this Foundation GCSE course is a Grade C. There may be chance to resit your present Mathematics course in November.
Sixth Term Examination Paper in Mathematics (STEP)
Some students need a further examination in mathematics for certain university courses or because they want a challenge! This is a mathematics examination testing techniques that are beyond the normal A2 requirements. We can provide support in preparation for this examination.
Mathematics and Further Mathematics
If you love Mathematics, are good at it and it is your favourite subject then why not consider an A Level in Further Mathematics?
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