A Level in Mathematics
Studying Maths
Mathematics can be studied to AS or Advanced Level and there is also the possibility of studying AS or Advanced Level Further Mathematics as a second qualification.
The Department uses the Edexcel Examination Board throughout.
Facilities
Mathematics is taught in a specialist classroom with the use of an interactive whiteboard and laptop PCs. This allows students to access resources from the internet to use within their work.
New software and graphical calculators are also used to develop students understanding.
AS Mathematics
An AS grade in Mathematics is obtained by completing three units of study and is completed in year 12.
The units are:
Core 1 - This consolidates and extends the work from GCSE in algebra, equations of straight lines and sequences. It also introduces the student to the field of calculus.
Core 2 - This further extends the concepts studied in Core 1. It also includes work on trigonometric, circular and exponential functions.
Then students complete one Applied Maths unit taken from:
Mechanics 1 - This looks at vectors, kinematics and the dynamics of a particle. This unit is particularly applicable to students studying Physics or Engineering.
Statistics 1 - This develops the concepts of statistics and probability met at GCSE looking at how to collect and analyse data. It is particularly useful to students studying subjects such as Geography, Biology and Sociology where you need to analyse data in context.
Usually all units are examined at the end of year 12 but this is flexible dependent on when a student is ready. Core 1 may be examined in January.
A2 Mathematics
In Year 13 Students complete three further modules to achieve the full A Level qualification. These are:
Core 3 and Core 4 which build on concepts in Core 1 and 2 and one additional Applied Maths unit.
This may allow the student to pursue further the mechanics or statistics studied in year 12 through Mechanics 2 or Statistics 2. There may also be the opportunity to opt for different modules depending on interests.
Some students enter the Core 3 module in January of upper sixth. For the rest all three units are taken in the June.
Further Mathematics
To complete an AS in Further Maths students complete three further units. These are Further Maths Pure 1 and any additional two units.
For the A Level, students complete Further Maths Pure 1, 2 and 3 and three further units.
This allows students to pursue in greater depth both the Pure, Mechanics and Statistics options offered at A level. Further Maths is not essential but is useful if a student is intending studying for degrees in such subjects as maths or engineering.
Entry Requirements
Entry for AS/A2 modules will be dependent upon regular attendance, a commitment to the subject and successful performance in school-based assessments. The student must demonstrate that s/he is capable of fulfilling their realistic potential in that module. If this is not the case, the Head of Department should not enter the student for that module in that examination sitting. Students will be offered the opportunity to take that module at a later date. Should the student insist on taking the module in that sitting against the advice offered then it will be as a private candidate.
Durham Further Maths Centre
Through the Durham Further Maths Centre, students have:
- Access to online resources for independent learning
- Opportunities to meet with FM students from other schools in the county for revision and consolidation of knowledge
- Elements of the course delivered via video-conferencing