Maths

Maths can be intriguing, challenging, puzzling and occasionally baffling but often very satisfying and enjoyable. It is quite different from other subjects but it is highly valued by universities and employers. The course consists of two halves – AS in the first year and A2 in the second to complete the qualification.

Exam Board:  AQA
No coursework

The AS-level

The current requirement for an AS qualification is three units, two of which are Pure maths and the other from the applied options – Mechanics, Statistics or Decision maths.

The Pure maths extends the material that has been studied in GCSE, so that the work in the first term or so will include algebra, trigonometry, circles, graphs and other topics which should be familiar to most students.

Students who like the idea of bringing maths into physical situations may find the Mechanics module suitable for their third unit. It would be the natural choice for someone who is studying the sciences but it is also successfully taken by students from very different areas.

Others who are studying subjects which involve the collection and analysis of data – medics, geographers, psychologists, etc generally take the Statistics module to complete their AS. This includes the study of probability in various situations and the use of mathematical models to predict future behaviour.

An increasingly popular option is Decision maths which looks at systematic ways of solving practical problems – finding the shortest route between a number of cities or finding the most efficient way of packing freight containers, for example. This is a relatively new branch of maths, being linked very closely with the use of computers, and many students find the applications quite refreshing.

Experience has shown that in order to enjoy the course students generally need to have achieved a grade B or higher at GCSE (or the equivalent). The nature of the subject means that one thing builds on another and unless the foundations are secure – algebra is particularly important – the work becomes increasingly frustrating. There have naturally been exceptions to this rule and in practice the majority of students who show a degree of enthusiasm and willingness do well and complete the course with good grades. This results in a free-standing qualification equivalent to half of an A-level.

The A2-level

Most students who take the AS in Maths go on to the full A-level. This second part of the course is more demanding than the AS portion but the level of skill has also risen – techniques are introduced which are an essential part of many university courses. Again the required units are two Pure modules and another applied module so that in all over the two years six units are taken. Students are free to choose either to continue studying their previous applied unit to a greater depth or take a different option.

The one-year course

For students with a strong background in the subject there is the possibility of taking all six units in one year. The teaching time is substantially less than half that of a traditional two-year course, making it quite a high-pressure option and not for the faint-hearted!

Suitable combinations

Maths combines well with many of the subjects that use mathematical ideas at this or degree level, e.g. geography, chemistry, economics and business studies. The skills involved can also complement some of the essay-based subjects which make it an excellent choice for a number of Arts-side students.

After A-level

Maths is essential for courses in Engineering and Physics and very useful for many science-based courses which deal with statistical analysis. It is also one of the subjects welcomed by Admissions Tutors for any subject requiring an ability to think logically.