Why study Mathematics?

Post-16 Mathematics options Core Maths Elective A level Mathematics A level Further Mathematics

Who studies Mathematics? Maths at Oxford Engineering at Cambridge Physics/Maths at Dublin

Who studies Mathematics?

 For those who want to keep up their valuable maths skills but not taking or A-level maths or further maths.  Could lead to a level 3 qualification – similar to an AS – if continued in Year 13.  Supports other A level subjects – geography, sciences, psychology, economics …..  Develops ability in mathematics for university study, and/or employment – employers are asking for this!! What is the Core Maths Elective?

A Level Maths is the most popular (numerically) course at Watford Boys. 150 students study maths in Year students are study maths in Year 13

AS/A level Mathematics entries

Entries for A level subjects 2015 Mathematics is now the most popular A level subject in the UK

What is covered in A level Mathematics? Year 12Year 13 AS level Maths Core 1Core 2 Statistics 1 A level Maths Core 1Core 2 Statistics 1 Core 3Core 4 Mechanics 1  A level Mathematics is a mix of pure (core) mathematics (4 units), and applications of mathematics (2 units).  The core units cover topics such as algebra, graphs, calculus and trigonometry.  Students study 2 applied units in Mechanics and Statistics.

What is Statistics? Statistics – collecting and analysing data and using this to make predictions about future events. e.g. actuaries study statistical information to calculate the risk of a driver of a certain age having a car accident. This information would be used by insurers in establishing the cost of the annual premiums.

What is Mechanics? Mechanics – modelling the physics of the world around us e.g. at what angle should a cricketer aim to hit the ball in order to maximise the distance the ball will travel? Students planning careers in physics or engineering would find mechanics particularly useful.

A-level Maths  The exam board is OCR  Six set modules – no choice.  No coursework  Two teachers, teaching 4 lessons per week plus one extra consolidation lesson per week  May/June lower sixth examinations C1, C2, S1  May/June upper sixth examinations C3, C4, M1

Why study Maths A level?  provides a stimulating and challenging course;  develops key employability skills - problem-solving, logical reasoning, communication and resilience;  increase knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques and their applications;  support the study of other A level subjects;  provide excellent preparation for a wide range of university courses;  lead to a versatile qualification that is well-respected by employers and higher education.

“Maths is the only A level proven to increase earnings in later life - by an average of 10%.” What are the career opportunities? (Source maths-and-science-teaching) maths-and-science-teaching

On-going applications in engineering, such as Aircraft Modelling Fluid Flows Acoustic Engineering Electronics Civil Engineering. …and new scientific processes such as modelling populations and Diseases Quantum Physics, Astronomy, Forensics and DNA sequencing. What are the career opportunities?

Financial systems and online purchasing systems are also underpinned by mathematics, relying heavily on online security and encryption. GCHQ What are the career opportunities? GCHQ has the largest group of mathematicians working anywhere in the country!

A level Maths and degree courses Degree subjects % of students starting courses with A level Mathematics (2013) Computing50% Economics69% Chemistry71% Biology38% Psychology13% Geography20% Business & Management38% Sociology4%

Exemplar Entry Requirements ABB-BBB including Mathematics and Chemistry. Other recommended subjects include Physics, Further Mathematics, Design Technology, IT/Computing and Biology. Swansea University (Chemical Engineering degree) Our courses require three A-levels at AAB/AAA including Maths and either Physics, Electronics or Further Maths Manchester University (Electrical engineering degree)

Exemplar Entry Requirements  Typical Offer: A*AA. In exceptional circumstances we may make a slightly lower offer (typically AAA)  Mathematics at grade A or above.  Preferred subjects: Apart from Mathematics there are no other essential requirements. We prefer traditional A level subjects. Further Mathematics is highly desirable  Last year, besides Mathematics and Economics the top 5 subjects taken by successful candidates were: Further Mathematics 25%, Physics 23%, History 12%, Chemistry 12%, Geography 11% University of Bath (Economics degree)

Exemplar Entry Requirements Our typical offers for students who are studying 3 A-levels are:  ABB for students taking Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics  AAB for students taking Chemistry with at least one other science subject or Mathematics  AAA for students taking Chemistry with no other science subject or Mathematics Southampton University (Chemistry degree)

University entry requirements  Look at the entry requirements on the individual university’s website for the degree subjects that you might be interested in.  In some cases a qualification in Mathematics or Further Mathematics will reduce the grades required for entry to a degree course in a related subject.  Look at forwww.ucas.ac.uk additional information.

Other sources of information  Your mathematics teachers  FMSP website  Maths Careers website  Future Morph careers website  Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)  Best course 4 me  Tomorrow’s Engineers  The Institute of Physics (IOP)

A2 and AS maths grades in 2015 A*ABCDEUTotal AS maths A2 maths

What is Further Mathematics?  Further Mathematics is an additional A level qualification taken alongside the usual A level mathematics course.  It is designed to stretch and challenge able mathematicians and prepare them for university courses in mathematics and related quantitative and scientific subjects.  If you are really good at maths and are thinking of studying maths, computer science, physics, engineering or economics at a top university, then you should study Further Maths.

Why?  Further maths broadens and deepens the maths covered.  It introduces new topics such as matrices and complex numbers.  These can be vital for maths-rich degrees in areas such as sciences, engineering, statistics, economics and computing as well as maths itself.  You will study more maths that’s relevant to your university course to give you a head start.  Some prestigious universities now require a further maths qualification or prefer students who have studied further maths to at least AS level.

A level Further Maths and degrees Degree course % of students starting course with A level Further Mathematics (2013) Mathematics60% Physics36% Engineering23% Computer Science12% Economics15% Finance21%

AS/A level Further Mathematics entries

A Level Maths is the most popular (numerically) course at Watford Boys. 150 students study maths in Year study further maths in Year students are study maths in Year study further maths in year 13

Mathematics and Further Mathematics -example plan of a student taking full A levels in both subjects AS level Maths Core 1Core 2Statistics 1 A level Maths Core 1Core 2Statistics 1Core 3Core 4 Mechanics 1 AS level Further Maths Further Pure 1 Decision 1 Mechanics 1 A level Further Maths Further Pure 1 Decision 1Statistics 2 Further Pure 2 Mechanics 2 Statistics Or Mechanics 3 Applied Units cover statistics, mechanics or decision mathematics Scores in AS Units are counted again as part of the A-level qualification.

What is Decision Mathematics? Decision Mathematics - finding efficient solutions to real life problems e.g. what would be the most efficient route for delivering post around a network of streets? This topic uses algorithms which are vital in computer science. (Image taken from

A-level Further Maths  The exam board is OCR  Set modules – limited choice.  No coursework  Four teachers, teaching 8 lessons per week plus one extra consolidation lesson per week to cover maths and further maths

Examination schedule  May/June lower sixth C1, C2, FP1, D1, M1, S1 Maths and Further Maths AS completed  May/June upper sixth C3,C4, FP2, S2, S3, M2, M3 Maths and Further maths A2 completed (Further maths AS requires FP1 plus 1 more module to give 9 in total)

A2 and AS maths grades in 2015 A*ABCDEUTotal AS maths A2 maths AS further A2 further