Why study Mathematics?

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

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

Who studies Mathematics?

What is the Core Maths Elective? 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!!

170 students study maths in Year 12 A Level Maths is the most popular (numerically) course at Watford Boys. 170 students study maths in Year 12 140 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? A level Mathematics is a mix of two-thirds pure (core) mathematics, and one-third applications of mathematics. The core units cover topics such as algebra, graphs, sequences, calculus and trigonometry. Students study applied topics 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 Three exams – each 2 hours long Structure of exams still being agreed by exam boards and Ofqual No coursework Two teachers, teaching 4 lessons per week. All exams at end of Year 13. Internal exams at end of Year 12. Mocks in Year 13.

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.

What are the career opportunities? “Maths is the only A level proven to increase earnings in later life - by an average of 10%.” (Source www.gov.uk/government/speeches/elizabeth-truss-on-support-for-maths-and-science-teaching)

What are the career opportunities? 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 has the largest group of mathematicians working anywhere in the country! GCHQ

A level Maths and degree courses Degree subjects % of students starting courses with A level Mathematics Computing 50% Economics 69% Chemistry 71% Biology 38% Psychology 13% Geography 20% Business & Management Sociology 4%

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 www.ucas.ac.uk for additional information.

Other sources of information Your mathematics teachers FMSP website www.furthermaths.org.uk Maths Careers website www.mathscareers.org.uk Future Morph careers website www.futuremorph.org Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) www.ucas.com Best course 4 me www.bestcourse4me.com Tomorrow’s Engineers www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk The Institute of Physics (IOP) www.iop.org

A2 and AS maths grades in 2016 A* A B C D E U Total 77 26 20 9 10 3 145 A2 maths 31 54 19 13 8 4 1 130

What is Further Mathematics? Further Mathematics is an additional A level qualification taken alongside the usual A level mathematics course. The FM A level here will add more pure maths (eg complex numbers), more statistics (perms and coms) and more mechanics (work, energy and power). 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.

A level Further Maths and degrees Degree course % of students starting course with A level Further Mathematics Mathematics 60% Physics 36% Engineering 23% Computer Science 12% Economics 15% Finance 21%

AS/A level Further Mathematics entries

170 students study maths in Year 12 60 study further maths in Year 12 A Level Maths is the most popular (numerically) course at Watford Boys. 170 students study maths in Year 12 60 study further maths in Year 12 140 students are study maths in Year 13 40 study further maths in year 13

A-level Further Maths Four exams – one hour 30 min each Structure of exams still being agreed by exam boards and Ofqual No coursework 3 teachers, teaching 8 lessons per week for two A levels All exams at end of Year 13. Internal exams at end of Year 12. Mocks in Year 13.

A2 and AS maths grades in 2016 A* A B C D E U Total 77 26 20 9 10 3 145 A2 maths 31 54 19 13 8 4 1 130 AS further 33 48 A2 5 2