A-Level Mathematics
Mathematics is the abstract science of number, quantity, and space, either as abstract concepts (pure mathematics), or as applied to other disciplines such as physics and engineering (applied mathematics). A-Level Mathematics is thus a subject which deals with abstract structures. Some of these arise in scientific theories, while others are familiar from everyday life; a few are studied by mathematicians purely for their intrinsic beauty.
How is it Studied?
Edexcel A-level Mathematics is taught within the two-year, five-term and one year A-level programmes.
Some of the abstract structures and techniques studied in the A-Level specification are calculus, vectors, quadratics, and logarithms.
How is it assessed?
| AS-Level Mathematics |
| Paper 1:
Pure Mathematics 62.5%, 2 hours, 100 marks |
| Paper 2:
Statistics and Mechanics 37.5%, 1 hour 15 minutes, 60 marks |
| A-Level Mathematics | |
| Paper 1:
Pure Mathematics 33%, 2 hours, 100 marks |
Any pure content can be assessed on either paper |
| Paper 2:
Pure Mathematics 33%, 2 hours, 100 marks |
|
| Paper 3:
Statistics and Mechanics 33%, 2 hours, 100 marks |
Section A: Statistics (50 marks)
Section B: Mechanics (50 marks) |
Exam Board: Edexcel
What do I need?
5 GCSEs grade 5 or above including Maths and English or equivalent international qualifications.
For international students who have taken IELTS, we require an overall score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 for each of the reading and writing components.
For international students who have taken IGCSE English (Second Language), we require grade 5 or above.
What should I study with Mathematics?
A-Level Mathematics complements every other A-Level subject but is most commonly studied alongside subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Economics and Business.
At Oxford Sixth Form College, many of our BTEC Level 3 Business Diploma (BTEC Plus) students choose to study a one year A-Level Mathematics course alongside their BTEC Business Diploma.
A-Level Mathematics is also studied by students wishing to progress to A-Level Further Mathematics. Such students sit A-Level Mathematics at the end of the first year of their A-Level programme and then sit A-Level Further Mathematics at the end of the second and final year of their A-Level programme. Such students are known as ‘double mathematicians’ and they can also choose two other A-Level subjects to study across their two-year programme. Most commonly, such students will study combinations such as Physics and Chemistry; Biology and Chemistry; Economics and Politics; Economics and Business.
What can I do with A-Level Mathematics?
Mathematics students learn to think logically and to apply the principles they have learnt to the solution of a variety of different problems. This training is of great value as preparation for a wide range of degree courses and careers. A-Level Mathematics is a requirement for most degrees in Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Engineering and Medicine. Mathematics is most helpful, and may be required, for Economics and Business courses. A knowledge of statistics at A-Level is applicable to almost any course in the social sciences.
Questions about the course
Can I study A-Level Mathematics in one year?
Yes, the College offers A-Level Mathematics as a one year programme to:
- Those of our students progressing to A-Level Further Mathematics in their second and final A-Level year
- To those students who have already completed the AS-Level Mathematics or equivalent in the UK or in their home countries and can clearly demonstrate high ability in mathematics and academic English
- To students enrolling for the BTEC+ programme offered at the College
Related Subjects
Accreditations
