A Level Maths
exam board: Cambridge International (CIE)
Maths counts, solves problems, and provides a bedrock of logic for analytical thinking. Through algebra, calculus and statistics, A Level students seek out patterns and structure, learning to understand change, interpret data critically and reason effectively.
One of the most respected level 3 qualifications in the world, A Level Maths is virtually essential for studying Science, Engineering, Technology or Computing at university, and opens doors to almost every career imaginable.
The course emphasises problem solving, mathematical modelling, proof and reasoning, through the following topics:
- Pure 1: quadratics, functions, coordinate geometry, circular measure, trigonometry, series, differentiation and integration.
- Pure 3: algebra, logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometry, differentiation and integration, differential equations, numerical methods, vectors, and complex numbers.
- Probability and Statistics 1: representation of data, permutations and combinations, probability, discrete random variables including binomial and geometric probability distributions, and the normal distribution.
- Mechanics: forces and equilibrium, kinematics of motion in a straight line, momentum, Newton’s laws of motion, and energy, work and power.
- Probability and Statistics 2: the Poisson distribution, linear combinations of random variables, continuous random variables, sampling and estimation, and hypothesis tests.
The exact scheduling of topics below is subject to change, as the small class sizes at FIC allow for the pace and ordering of teaching to be adjusted according to students’ knowledge and progress.
| year 12
AUTUMN |
Pure Maths 1 | Pure Maths 2/3 | Mechanics | Statistics 1 | Statistics 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quadratics | x | ||||
| Functions | x | ||||
| Coordinate geometry | x | ||||
| Series: binomial expansion | x | ||||
| Representation of data | x | ||||
| Algebra: polynomials and partial fractions | x | ||||
| Vectors: introduction | x | ||||
| Permutations and combinations | x | ||||
| year 12
SPRING |
Pure Maths 1 | Pure Maths 2/3 | Mechanics | Statistics 1 | Statistics 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circular measure | x | ||||
| Trigonometry | x | ||||
| Series: arithmetic and geometric progressions | x | ||||
| Differentiation | x | ||||
| Logarithmic and exponential functions | x | ||||
| Differentiation: trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions | x | ||||
| Probability | x | ||||
| year 12
SUMMER |
Pure Maths 1 | Pure Maths 2/3 | Mechanics | Statistics 1 | Statistics 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Differentiation: product and quotient rules | x | ||||
| Integration: areas and volumes of revolution | x | ||||
| Integration: trigonometric and exponential functions | x | ||||
| Differential equations | x | ||||
| Numerical solution of equations | x | ||||
| Discrete random variables | x | ||||
| The normal distribution | x | ||||
| Complex numbers: introduction | x | ||||
| Hypothesis tests: introduction | x | ||||
| year 13
AUTUMN |
Pure Maths 1 | Pure Maths 2/3 | Mechanics | Statistics 1 | Statistics 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra: modulus function and binomial expansion | x | ||||
| Trigonometry: identities and compound angles | x | ||||
| Differentiation: implicit and parametric | x | ||||
| Integration: by substitution and by parts | x | ||||
| Vectors: lines in three dimensions | x | ||||
| Complex numbers: polar form and loci | x | ||||
| year 13
SPRING |
Pure Maths 1 | Pure Maths 2/3 | Mechanics | Statistics 1 | Statistics 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forces and equilibrium | x | ||||
| Kinematics of motion in a straight line | x | ||||
| Momentum | x | ||||
| Newton’s laws of motion | x | ||||
| Energy, work and power | x | ||||
| The Poisson distribution | x | ||||
| Linear combinations of random variables | x | ||||
| Continuous random variables | x | ||||
| Sampling and estimation | x | ||||
| Hypothesis tests | x | ||||
In the Year 13 Spring term, students study either Mechanics or Probability and Statistics 2, depending on their chosen route. The Summer term is dedicated to revision, with exams generally starting in the last week of April.
End of Course Exams
Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1
Paper 3: Pure Mathematics 3
Paper 5: Probability & Statistics 1
Paper 4 or 6: Mechanics or Probability & Statistics 2
AS Level Maths is an alternative, covering approximately half of the A level course, with 2 final exams: Pure 1, and one of Pure 2, Probability and Statistics 1, or Mechanics.
A level Further Maths
For students who really enjoy maths and want to pursue it to the highest level, Further Maths is the perfect course to study alongside A level Mathematics. Topics include further components of pure maths, mechanics, and probability and statistics.
Core Maths (AQA Level 3 Certificate in Mathematical Studies)
For students who do not wish to pursue advanced algebra, calculus or trigonometry, Core Maths is an alternative to A level. A rigorous and demanding course, and the equivalent of an AS level, it promotes excellent critical thinking, problem solving and data analysis skills. Core Maths helps with understanding applied maths, everyday calculations, estimations, modelling, finances, risk analysis, statistics and data analysis.