Mathematics/Further Maths/Statistics - A Level

Mathematics is Lansdowne’s single most popular subject, partly because of our long history of success, but also because Mathematics combines so well with other subjects. Many degrees and careers place great emphasis on mathematical competence. Available options in the A Level syllabus allow you to focus on mathematical skills best suited to your intended degree or career. For example, Physics students will find Mechanics particularly useful; those studies Economics or Psychology should opt to study Statistics; Decision Maths is suited to students of Computing, Economics and Business. Those planning to study Mathematics, Computing or Engineering at university may wish to take Further Mathematics in addition to the standard A Level.

What will I study in Mathematics?

The A Level Mathematics syllabus requires you to study six separate units. These units fall into two broad categories – Pure (Core) Maths and Applications.

Pure Maths C1, C2, C3, C4 are compulsory units at A Level and extend the topics you will have covered at GCSE: for example, algebra, geometry and trigonometry. It will also introduce you to new areas such as calculus (differentiation, integration and differential equations) and numerical methods.

Applications can be in Mechanics (M units), Statistics (S units) or Decision Maths (D units). Mechanics involves the study of the motion of particles under the action of forces and may be particularly useful for students studying Physics. Statistics involves the study of patterns in data and may be particularly useful for students studying Business Studies or Economics. Decision Maths involves the study of algorithms and may be particularly useful for students studying Business Studies, Computing or Economics.

AS Units 1, 2 & 3. You will study C1 and C2 plus one application, typically M1 or S1.

A2 Units 4, 5 & 6. You will study C3 and C4 plus any two applications units, typically M1 and S1 (whichever you elected not to study in the AS).

Further Pure Mathematics A Level, counted as a separate A Level, involves studying another six units: FP1 and, typically, either FP2 or FP3, along with four other units. This may appeal to you if you intend to study Maths, Computing or Engineering at university. There is also an AS in Further Maths including FP1 as a compulsory unit, plus any two units, not including C1 – C4.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by written papers for all Core subjects and Applications. All papers are 1 hour 30 minutes in length and carry equal weight.

Do I need to have studied Mathematics before?

The A Level and AS course assumes you have sound prior knowledge acquired during your GCSE course. You are, therefore, expected to have achieved at least a ‘B’ grade (on the Higher Tier), although under exceptional circumstances we may accept you with a lower grade.

Who will teach me?

Mathematics is taught by Dr Khusro Ali Khan, John Laughton (Cantab), Peter Nobar (MSc) and Peter Rapps (Oxon) – all highly experienced, well qualified and engaging teachers.

Which subjects complement Mathematics?

Mathematics can be combined with many other subjects: from pure sciences such as Chemistry and Physics;economic sciences such as Economics, Accounting and Business Studies; humanties such as Geography; social sciences such as Psychology, specialist A Levels such as Computing and ICT; even arts and Philosophy. Mathematics is an essential or highly recommended A Level for a wide range of degree courses. Maths could also be an ideal fourth AS Level.

Which careers can Mathematics lead to?

Mathematics A Level is highly regarded by employers as mathematical competence is practically useful, but also indicates a sound ability to think logically and manipulate abstract concepts. Apart from academic research, mathematics is vital in careers such as engineering, computer-related industries, and in the City – banking, trading, finance and insurance.