The Mathematics department follows a linear 2 year A Level course.
The course develops the work covered at Key Stage 4, building on many of the higher tier GCSE principles during the first half term.
Similar to Key Stage 4, the scheme of work is organised into distinct topics but greater emphasis will be placed on the connections between these topics to aid the development of mathematical reasoning and problem solving. The sequencing of the topics follows a sensible and logical order to ensure that students have the prerequisite skills to build upon prior knowledge at each stage of their learning. The prerequisite skills and connected topics will be referred to by teachers, and shared with students, at all opportunities.
Year 12
Autumn Term
During this term the students will consolidate their higher tier GCSE knowledge, with a particular focus on algebraic functions and equations. The students will then be introduced to the concepts of differentiation and integration and will explore what is meant by coordinate geometry, for which they will recall much of their knowledge from geometric reasoning at GCSE level.
– Algebraic Expressions
– Quadratics Functions
– Equations
– Further Algebra
– Vectors
– Differentiation
– Coordinate Geometry
Spring Term
Students will extend their knowledge of algebra and functions, which will equip them with the knowledge to work confidently with exponentials and logarithms. During this term students will be introduced to the statistical element of A Level maths, focussing initially on standard deviation and measures of spread.
– Trigonometry
– Algebra & functions (part 2)
– Exponentials & Logs.
– Data presentation & interpretation: part 1
Summer Term
Students will develop their knowledge from the previous term through looking at statistical distributions and sampling, which leads onto hypothesis testing. During this term students will begin to look at partial fractions and will build on their knowledge of differentiation from the autumn term.
– Statistical Distributions
– Statistical sampling
– Statistical Hypothesis Testing
– Data presentation & interpretation: part 2
– Trigonometry: part 1
– Algebraic & partial fractions
– Differentiation
Year 13
Autumn Term
Year 13 begins with the development of mathematical proof, which builds on the content from higher tier GCSE maths and the further algebra content from year 12. The binomial theorem is introduced at this stage, as well as the concept of parametric equations. Students also build on their integration, vector and trigonometry knowledge from year 12.
– Proof
– Functions and modelling
– Series and sequences
– Binomial theorem
– Trigonometry: part 2
– Integration
– Parametric Equations
– Vectors
Spring Term
The mechanics elements of the course are the primary focus of this term’s work. The theoretical aspect of forces, kinematics and moments are discussed at length, before progressing to explore the application of this knowledge to the world of mechanics.
– Forces at an angle part 1
– Further Kinematics – part 1
– Applications of kinematics
– Forces at an angle, part 2
– Applications of forces, part 1
– Further Kinematics – part 2
– Moments
– Applications of forces, part 1
– Normal distribution
– Probability
– Regression and correlation
Summer Term
During this term students will review and revise all content, using assessment data to pinpoint key areas for development. Students will be provided with lots of opportunities to practise exam style questions, both in class and at home.
Assessment at Key stage 5
- Homework activities, both online and written, which are designed to consolidate content from within the classroom and allow for early identification of areas of concern.
- In-class low stakes retrieval topic tests after every unit.
- Half termly summative assessments, with key intervention topics included.
- End of year summative assessments, covering all content from throughout the year.
- Mock exams are completed twice in year 13, to inform planning and guide targeted intervention.
How can parents help support their child’s learning?
- Visit maths club on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtime.
- Attend intervention sessions, when invited.
- Use the A Level maths google classroom to access video links, tutorials and practice questions for every topic.
Enrichment opportunities
- Regular participation in the UK Mathematics Trust Senior Maths Challenge.
- Attendance at external enrichment events, often hosted internally
- Students regularly study Further Maths.
- University mathematics masterclasses.
- Guest speakers from industry.
Post 16 course/s (exam board and code)
Edexcel A Level Mathematics (9MA0)
