Maths - KS5

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Studying A Level Maths develops logical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience, skills that are valued in every career path and equips us with essential skills to make sense of the world.

  • Exam Board: Edexcel
  • Qualification: A Level Mathematics 9MA0

Course Specification documentCurriculum Map

A Level Maths is one of the most highly respected qualifications by universities and employers, as it demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills. It is especially valuable for future careers in science, technology, engineering, finance, data, and many other competitive fields. It opens doors to a huge range of university courses and future opportunities and most importantly, it equips students to understand and make sense of the world with confidence and curiosity.

The A Level specification is two-thirds Pure Maths and one third Applied Maths, comprising Mechanics and Statistics, equally weighted.

The key topics covered are:

  • Proof: Foundational element across the pure mathematics papers.
  • Algebra and Functions: Includes solving equations, working with functions, and completing the square.
  • Coordinate Geometry: Focuses on the geometry of the (x, y) plane.
  • Sequences and Series: Arithmetic and geometric progressions.
  • Trigonometry: Identities, equations, and radian measure.
  • Exponentials and Logarithms: Understanding and applying these functions.
  • Differentiation: Includes rates of change and applications like finding stationary points.
  • Integration: Finding areas under curves and using various methods.
  • Numerical Methods: Techniques such as iteration.
  • Vectors: Applying vectors to solve problems.
  • Statistics: Sampling, data representation, probability, statistical distributions (binomial and normal), and hypothesis testing.
  • Mechanics: Kinematics (motion), forces, Newton's laws, moments, work, energy, and power.

By studying A Level Maths, students develop advanced skills in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus, as well as fluency in working with functions, graphs, and mathematical modelling. They learn to apply statistics and probability to interpret data and make predictions, alongside sharpening their ability to reason logically and construct clear mathematical arguments. These skills form a strong foundation for higher-level study and for solving real-world problems with confidence.

Students must achieve at least a grade 7 at GCSE in order to study A Level maths.

The A Level builds on several of the GCSE topics, but the most important area to be confident in is Algebra. Students who perform well in the algebra elements of the GCSE will be much more successful at A Level than students who struggle with algebra but achieve a 7 by being good in other maths topics.

Prior to starting the A Level course, students are required to complete a series of algebra tasks online to ensure that their skills are sufficiently fluent and well-developed to enable them to access the A Level content from day 1.

The most successful students will have a genuine curiosity about maths and will want to understand the topics deeply rather than simply memorising different techniques. They will be proactive in seeking help when needed, and will reflect on errors in order to improve.

The A Level is assessed through three equally weighted papers. 

  • Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 (2 hours, 100 marks)
  • Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2 (2 hours, 100 marks)
  • Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics (2 hours, 100 marks)

All three papers are taken in the same exam series.

A calculator is allowed in all papers. 

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