Minimum of a C at IGCSE (strongly recommended B).
You will be given a summer work booklet to be completed over the holidays which is to be handed in during your first lesson.
AS Maths builds upon and strengthens the existing skills developed during the IGCSE mathematics course. It allows you to continue to study mathematics post-16 without the pressure and complexity of the full A Level course and also demonstrates to universities and future employers that you have studied mathematics to a higher level than the legal requirement.
Many students in previous years have dropped out of the full mathematics A Level course due to the significant increase in both difficulty and workload and this is now less of an option due to the linear nature of the new A Level.
If you do not require a full mathematics A Level for your future university course or career then this is an excellent opportunity to continue your study of mathematics alongside three other options. Maths is a skill for life, and this is an excellent addition to humanities studies to have a well-rounded choice of subjects.
You will develop the skills and knowledge you have already gained at IGCSE such as Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics as well as being introduced to Mechanics – a branch of applied mathematics dealing with motion and forces. More emphasis is placed on deepening understanding of methods rather than following procedures, and there is a focus on proof and logical reasoning throughout the course.
You will learn to use technology, such as calculators and computers, effectively and will learn how to interpret solutions and communicate this effectively in the context of the problem.
You will have 2 double lessons per week and will be given on average 1 hour of homework per lesson. This is in addition to private study, practice and revision which is expected to be part of your regular study habits.
After each chapter of study you will be given a formative assessment to consolidate your learning and identify any areas of weakness. You will also have regular formative assessments during class time on a range of prior learning and you will take internal exams at the end of Year 12.
External exams will take place at the end of your second year of study. The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Mathematics consists of two externally-examined papers:
People with an AS in mathematics will be able to demonstrate to universities that they have engaged with higher level mathematics. Degrees such as Psychology, Business, Accounting, and Education will all benefit from having studied mathematics at AS level and will set you apart in an application.
Some form of mathematics is also desirable or sometimes required for: computer science, chemistry, biology and life sciences, medicine/nursing, dentistry, management studies, architecture, geology, surveying and even philosophy.