Syllabus: MATHEMATICS OCR AS 3840 A 7840

and FURTHER MATHEMATICS OCR AS 3892 A 7892

Comments

Mathematics - The Queen and Servant of Science - is valuable both in its own right and through enabling techniques to be mastered that are useful in other subjects. Those interested in the subject are encouraged to develop further their understanding in a way that encourages confidence and enjoyment. The aim is to enable students to develop their ability to think clearly, work carefully, and communicate mathematical ideas successfully, appreciating the logical and coherent nature of the subject.

Mathematics is suitable for inclusion with either Science or Arts subjects, being particularly recommended if Physics or Biology are taken at A level. Statistics is being used increasingly in other subjects, if not at A level then in more Advanced courses e.g. in Economics or Geography.
Students are advised not to start the A or AS level courses unless they have followed the GCSE Higher Tier course and gained grade B or better in the subject as it is considerably more demanding than at GCSE level. For Further Mathematics to be considered grade A or A* should have been gained at GCSE level.

Specification

All Sixth form Mathematics courses contain both Pure and Applied Mathematics (Mechanics and Statistics). The Pure Mathematics includes calculus and more advanced algebra and trigonometry; the Mechanics is based initially on Newton's laws of motion and includes both statics, the study of forces on stationary bodies, and dynamics - bodies in motion. Many of the mechanics topics are studied, from a different perspective, in the Physics course. The statistics units aim to help students select appropriate statistical techniques for handling data.

A and AS Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics

Mathematics can be taken at AS level or A level and those with high ability can take the subject further with AS or A level Further Mathematics, i.e. 2 A levels altogether. This is achieved by using a modular system. Sixteen modular units are available in all.

For AS level 3 units are required - 2 compulsory Pure units, the third either Mechanics or Statistics.

For A level 6 units are required - 4 compulsory Pure units, the other 2 chosen from 4 Mechanics and 4 Statistics units.

Generally our candidates take 1 mechanics and 1 statistics unit in addition to the 4 compulsory Pure ones.

AS Further Mathematics requires 3 further units (including 1 compulsory Pure one), while A level Further Mathematics requires a total of 12 units.

GCSE Retake

GCSE can be retaken in November, with the coursework mark carried forward from the June examination, or in the Summer, in which case new coursework must be done.