Mathematics

Course type: A level & Applied • Awarding/exam body: Edexcel
Maths is a highly respected A level that goes well with Science and/or Economics, but is also good for anyone who enjoys Maths and wants to do it to a higher level. It is a lot of work, so only choose it if you know you are good at it and enjoy problem solving.

Course Units

Two thirds of the Maths A level course are Pure maths, one sixth is Statistics and one sixth is Mechanics.
Pure Maths: Includes quadratics, straight lines, calculus, trigonometry and logarithms.
Statistics: Builds on the averages, correlation and probability distributions you have done at GCSE. You will be using computers to work with a very large data set.
Mechanics: How movement is affected by forces.

Course Assessment

Assessment is 100% examination based. There will be three exams. You are allowed a calculator in all exams.

This Course Can Lead To…

For many of us Mathematics extends into our chosen profession: Civil Servants need to analyse data, Economists need to recognise financial trends, Engineers need to take account of stress patterns in physical materials. This subject is useful if you want to go on to study Maths, Engineering, Computing, Economics or a science at degree level. It can also be beneficial for research based subjects, such as Psychology or subjects involving Business. There are many careers that you can go into after studying maths.

Entry Requirements

To qualify to study 3 A level/ Applied subjects, you will need to achieve 6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, preferably including English Language or Maths at grade 4 or above. 

In addition/ within those 6 GCSEs, for this subject you will need to achieve Grade 6 in Maths; GCSE score of 4.8 or above OR Grade 7 in maths.

Course Highlights

  • We enter students each year for the UK Senior Maths Challenge. The top four then represent St. Francis Xavier Sixth Form College at the UK Team Challenge.
  • Visiting speakers from university maths departments.
  • Trips to university Maths Days and Maths Lectures at the London Mathematical Society.