Mathematics
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Mathematics
At Beverley Joint Sixth Form we offer Mathematics as a 2 year, A level qualification. The content of A Level Mathematics is the same across all examination boards. The course consists of 66% pure mathematics, 17% mechanics and 17% statistics. The structure of how this is assessed, however, does vary across different specifications. We will be studying the AQA (7357) specification. It is a linear qualification, meaning that students will sit all of their exams at the end of the course.
This content will be taught across both BGS and BHS, with 5 hours of in-class study. Students will be set approximately 1 hour of work from every lesson to be completed in their non-contact time. They will also have access to support sessions at both schools.
Pure Mathematics: Broadly speaking, pure mathematics is mathematics that studies entirely abstract concepts. It is the methods and techniques which underpin the study of all other areas of mathematics. These include proof, algebra, coordinate geometry, calculus, trigonometry, etc.
Although it is possible to study abstract entities with respect to their intrinsic nature, and not be concerned with how they manifest in the real world, in practice there is much overlap in the activity of pure and applied mathematicians (mechanics and statistics).
Mechanics: Mechanics is an area of science and mathematics concerned with the behaviour of physical bodies when subjected to forces or displacements, and the subsequent effects of the bodies on their environment. In A level Mathematics, we study the theoretical side of mechanics. We apply mathematical concepts and models to situations to predict outcomes.
Studying mechanics will help embed topics that will be studied in A level Physics.
Statistics: Statistics is the study of the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and organisation of data. Statistics at A Level Mathematics includes interpreting diagrams, calculating probabilities, modelling distributions and testing hypotheses. All of which are applied to real world situations.
Studying statistics will help embed topics that will be studied in A level Psychology, A level Biology and A level Geography.
Why take maths further?
It all comes down to what maths is. Just as languages provide the building blocks and rules we need to communicate, maths uses its own language, made up of numbers, symbols and formulas, to explore the rules we need to measure or identify essential problems like distance, speed, time, space, change, force and quantities. Maths helps us find patterns and structure in our lives. Practically, maths helps us put a price on things, create graphics, build websites, build skyscrapers and generally understand how things work or predict how they might change over time and under different conditions. In this sense, maths can help predict the future. But it doesn’t stop there; as a subject, maths is also continually growing and changing, as mathematicians & scientists expand on what they already know to discover new theories and inventions.
Click here to find out where maths can take you.
What skills will I get if I study maths?
Maths is one of the best subjects to develop your analytical, research and problem-solving skills. Not only will studying maths give you the knowledge to tackle scientific, mechanical, coding and abstract problems, it will also help you develop logic to tackle everyday issues like planning projects, managing budgets and even debating effectively.
A wide range of subjects in both science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and non-STEM fields are underpinned by mathematics. Having a broad mathematical knowledge and secure technical ability will help the transition from sixth form to higher education. Together with good mathematical skills, employers are looking for the ability to work in a team, communicate effectively and show initiative.
Further Mathematics
At Beverley Joint Sixth Form we offer Further Mathematics as an A Level qualification. It is a subject which both broadens and deepens the mathematics covered in A Level Mathematics. Further Mathematics must be taken alongside an A Level in Mathematics.
The structure of A Level Further Mathematics varies across the different specifications. We will be studying the AQA (7367) specification. It is a linear qualification, meaning that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course.
Two thirds of the content of the course is Further Pure and, at Beverley Joint Sixth Form, the remainder is Mechanics and Statistics. This content will be taught across both BGS and BHS, with 5 hours of in-class study. Students will be set approximately 1 hour of work from every lesson to be completed in their non-contact time. They will also have access to support sessions at both schools.
There are many good reasons to take Further Mathematics:
- Students taking Further Mathematics overwhelmingly find it to be an enjoyable, rewarding, stimulating and empowering experience.
It is a challenging qualification, which both extends and deepens your knowledge and understanding beyond the standard A Level Mathematics. Students who do it often say it is their favourite subject. - For someone who enjoys mathematics, it provides a challenge and a chance to explore new and/or more sophisticated mathematical concepts.
As well as new learning new areas of pure mathematics you will study further applications of mathematics in mechanics and statistics. - Students who take Further Mathematics find that the additional time spent studying mathematics boosts their marks in single A Level Mathematics.
Studying Further Mathematics consolidates and reinforces your standard A Level Mathematics work, helping you to achieve your best possible grades. - It makes the transition from sixth form to university courses, which are mathematically rich, that much easier as more of the first-year course content will be familiar.
If you are planning to study a degree in Engineering, Sciences, Computing, Finance/Economics, etc., or perhaps Mathematics itself, you will benefit enormously from taking Further Mathematics. Further Mathematics introduces new topics such as matrices and complex numbers that are vital in many STEM degrees. Students who have studied Further Mathematics find the transition to such degrees far more straightforward. - It enables students to distinguish themselves as able mathematicians in their applications for university and future employment.
Further Mathematics qualifications are highly regarded and are warmly welcomed by universities. Students who take Further Mathematics are really demonstrating a strong commitment to their studies, as well as learning mathematics that is very useful for any mathematically rich degree. Some prestigious university courses require you to have a Further Mathematics qualification and others may adjust their grade requirements more favourably to students with Further Mathematics.
If you have any further queries about these subjects please email enquiries@beverleyj6.co.uk
Career Opportunities:
Maths A level is listed as essential for studying degrees such as: Actuarial Science, Aeronautical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Economics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Engineering (General), Materials Science, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Optometry, Physics.
Mathematics is useful, or sometimes required for: Accountancy, Architecture, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Dentistry, Dietetics, Environmental Science, Geography, Management, Nursing and Midwifery, Orthoptics, Philosophy, Physiotherapy, Planning, Psychology, Sports Science/Physical Education, Veterinary Science.
What do the students say?
I enjoyed studying maths as I was able to use methods and skills learnt in previous years to help me in my new topics so I already had some understanding. Hannah, Maths student
Do you hate Maths? If so, I'll be frank, don't do Further Maths. However, if you hope to leave Sixth Form and study Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry or Physics, I highly recommend it. Not only does it give a foundation for University style application of Mathematics, but if you do well in Further Maths, the exams taken can boost your Maths grade. The topics you explore will not only appeal to the top universities, but once you are there, will make your life significantly easier. I personally doubt I would have had an as strong university application without having taken Further Maths. Oliver
I chose to study mathematics as it is one of the only subjects where the answers have to be either either correct or incorrect, so once you understood the methods then you could answer all questions and have a good idea of the marks you'd get, rather than having to estimate. This allowed me to have more confidence in my answers and so I found it less stressful in exams.
I enjoyed studying maths as I was able to use methods and skills learnt in previous years to help me in my new topics so I already had some understanding. With maths, it's really all about learning the methods and techniques needed to answer questions and then lots of practice applying it in different forms, but once you know the methods you should be fine in all contexts. there are a range of topics in maths, from algebra to shape and so even if you don't like one topic you would normally like another so it makes learning more enjoyable. Also, I like to know where I've lost marks and most subjects its harder to find out what you should've included in an essay but in maths it is clear which step you've missed or done incorrectly thus making it easier to learn from your mistakes and improve at a fast rate.
My advice is that once you are happy with the main methods for questions, you should practise lots of exam questions from past papers - this allows you to see the ways in which you will need to apply the methods and also how they will word the questions so once you've done a few and are happy with them you'll find that you can face the majority of questions that come your way afterwards. There are always plenty of past papers to do, and I guarantee that if you complete them all and go over all your wrong answers until you understand what to do to make them all correct you should be eagerly anticipating a good grade at the end of the course.