A Level Mathematics

The AQA mathematics course offered at St Peter’s Sixth Form will deepen your understanding of quadratics, geometry, trigonometry, algebra, calculus, equations, vectors, pure maths: Algebra, calculus, trigonometry, proof and more, as well as introducing a number of completely new areas of study including mechanics and statistics.

There are 3, 2 hour exams each worth 100 marks:

Paper 1: Proof, Algebra & functions, coordinate geometry, sequences & series, trigonometry, exponentials & logarithms, differentiation, integration & numerical methods.

Paper 2: Any content from paper 1 and vectors, quantities & units in mechanics, kinematics, forces & Newton’s laws & Moments.

Paper 3: Any content from paper 1 and statistical sampling, data presentation & interpretation, probability, statistical distributions, statistical hypothesis testing.

On all papers there will be a mix of question styles, from short single mark questions to multi-step problems.

Five GCSEs at 5 or above including a minimum of a 6 in maths.

Aside from A level mathematics opening the door to leading universities in the UK, there are many varied career paths that heavily lean on mathematics skills at this level. There are many new applications of mathematics in technology, games design, internet security, programming and communications. On-going applications in engineering, such as aircraft modelling, fluid flows, acoustic engineering, electronics, civil engineering and new scientific processes such as modelling populations, diseases, quantum physics, astronomy, forensics and DNA sequencing.

Financial systems and online purchasing systems are underpinned by mathematics, relying heavily on online security and encryption. GCHQ has the largest group of mathematicians working anywhere in the country. A good understanding of mathematics is beneficial for the study of chemistry, biology and geography. Psychologists use statistics to analyse the relationships between variables and predict behaviours. Lawyers rely on statistical data and the logical thought processes developed through the study of mathematics.