What will I study?
A Level Mathematics builds on and extends GCSE knowledge and skills and introduces new ideas, such as calculus and its applications. It emphasises how mathematical ideas are interconnected and how these ideas can be applied to model situations mathematically.
There is a strong emphasis on logical reasoning and problem-solving and you will learn to use your mathematical skills and techniques to solve challenging problems.

Year 12 and 13

Paper 1:  Pure Mathematics 1

• Proof / Algebra and functions/ Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane/ Sequences and series/ Trigonometry/ Exponentials and logarithms/ Differentiation/ Integration/  Vectors

Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2

• Proof/ Algebra and functions/ Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane/ Sequences and series/ Trigonometry/ Differentiation/ Integration/ Numerical methods

Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics

• Statistics – Statistical sampling/ Data presentation and interpretation/ Probability/ Statistical distributions/ Statistical hypothesis testing
• Mechanics – Quantities and units in mechanics/ Kinematics/ Forces and Newton’s laws/ Moments

How will I be assessed?
The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Mathematics consists of three externally examined papers.

What do I need to study the course?
Students will be required to have a Level 6 in Mathematics to access a one year AS Maths qualification and this will need to be taken as a 4th subject and in Year 12 only.

Students will be required to have a Level 7 in Mathematics to access the full A Level.

Where will A Level Mathematics lead me?
Mathematics is needed for most Physics and Engineering degrees and is strongly recommended or compulsory for many Chemistry degrees. Students who have studied Mathematics at Holy Cross Sixth Form have gone on to study degrees in Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Medicine, Social Sciences such as Psychology, Geography, Sociology, Business Studies, Finance and Accounting,  Economics and Actuarial Science.  There is a demand for qualified mathematics teachers.  As most jobs involve some use of numerical or financial data, mathematics graduates are well-placed in the job market.  Employers include local government, Civil Service and all areas of industry and business.