Application Form
AS Level: Maths
Qualification:
GCE AS in Mathematics
Examination Board: Edexcel
Syllabus Number: 8371
Weblink: www.edexcel.com
Entry Requirements:
5 or more A*-C grades (GCSE or BTEC equivalent) including English with a B or higher in Maths (Higher Tier)
Objectives:
- develop an understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment
- develop abilities to reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning, to generalise and to construct mathematical proofs
- extend the range of mathematical skills and techniques and use them in more difficult, unstructured problems
- develop an understanding of coherence and progression in mathematics and of how different areas of mathematics can be connected
- acquire the skills needed to use technology such as calculators and computers effectively, recognise when such use may be inappropriate and be aware of limitations
- develop an awareness of the relevance of mathematics to other fields of study, to the world of work and to society in general
Skills:
Learners gain an AS Mathematics qualification in their first year by taking two core modules which build a strong platform of core skills including algebra, calculus, trigonometry and curve sketching that can then be applied to a variety of challenging problems as well as modelling real life situations. Learners also study one applied module in Statistics (linking data to likely outcomes) Together, these three modules form AS Mathematics.
Course Content:
Core 1: Algebra and functions; coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane; sequences and series; differentiation; integration.
Core 2: Algebra and functions; coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane; sequences and series; trigonometry; exponentials and logarithms; differentiation; integration.
Statistics 1: Mathematical models in probability and statistics; representation and summary of data; probability; correlation and regression; discrete random variables; discrete distributions; the Normal distribution.
Assessment:
The course is assessed by 3 examinations – one for each unit. Each unit is worth 33.3% of the AS.
Examinations in the first year are taken in January, for Core 1, and May/June for Core 2 and Statistics 1.
Progression:
In their second year, learners complete two core modules which build upon the foundations laid in the first year and Mechanics (the mathematics of physics). These six modules in total are combined to form A2 Mathematics.
Career Opportunities:
A grade in ‘A’ level Mathematics has provided access to a very wide range of employment and higher education opportunities, including Mathematics, Engineering, Medicine, Architecture, the Pure Sciences, Business Studies, Economics, Computing and Earth Science. It is hoped that the AS Mathematics Qualification will provide entry qualification into some degree courses which have traditionally required a full A Level.
For more information about Mathematics see Mrs Agac
