Maths KS5 (2 year courses)

A Level Maths

Why study A Level Maths?

Students that study A level maths develop some highly prized employability skills. Successful students have an enthusiasm for problem-solving, a willingness to try a variety of approaches and the tenacity to keep going in the hunt for possible answers to awkward problems. Although mathematics is highly logical, it also requires imagination and determination to do well. It develops strong written communication and verbal skills when explaining how you have arrived at a solution.

Assessment

Exam Board - Edexcel

Paper	Minutes	% of the course	Topics
One & Two	120 minutes each	66.7%	Pure Maths: including fractions, coordinate geometry, sequences, trigonometry, exponentials and calculus
Three	120 minutes	33.3%	Mechanics and Statistics: including kinematics, forces, Newton's Laws, using large datasets, sampling, probability, distributions and hypothesis

A Level Further Maths

Why study A Level Further Maths?

Further Mathematics provides an excellent preparation for a wide range of university courses as well as being a versatile qualification that is well respected by employers. Further Mathematics is an essential requirement for many degree-level Mathematics courses. By studying Further Mathematics you will increase your knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques and their applications as well as enhancing your study of other subjects, in particular Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Psychology, Economics, Business Studies and PE.

Further Mathematics is a full A Level qualification that you can take alongside Mathematics. You will need to be studying (or have already achieved) the corresponding level in Mathematics. Taking A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics will give you two A Levels and will mean that you spend about half your time at HGS studying on your Mathematics courses.

Further Mathematics is designed to stretch and challenge able young mathematicians by introducing you to new techniques and concepts, such as complex numbers and matrices, as well as studying material from A Level Mathematics in greater depth.

Assessment

Exam Board - Edexcel

Paper	minutes	% of the course	Topics
Core 1 & 2	90 minutes each	50%	Pure Maths including integration, numerical methods, imaginary/complex numbers
Mechanics 1 & 2	90 minutes each	50%	Gravitation, energy and harmonic motion

Curriculum overviews