Maths

What levels are on offer?

You can take Maths at Higher Level or at Standard Level, or you can take Maths Studies at Standard Level.

How do I decide which to choose?

Higher Level Maths is aimed at students who really enjoy Maths and those who are possibly interested in taking it at University.
Standard Level is aimed at students who are likely to need to use a high level of maths in, say Physics, Engineering or Economics.
Maths Studies is for everybody!

What will I need?

For Standard Level Maths you will need at least a B at GCSE and for Maths Studies we would prefer you to have at least a C. For Higher Level Maths we would prefer an A or A*.

Whatever level you take, you will also need a graphical calculator which is used extensively throughout the course. The recommended model may be purchased through the College at a reduced rate.

What will I study?

The Standard Level Course includes topics on:

Algebra (eg sequences and series, logs and exponentials)
Functions and Equations (eg quadratic functions, transformations of graphs)
Trigonometry (eg radians, sin, cos, tan, sine rule and cosine rule)
Matrices (eg definition, algebra and uses of matrices)
Vectors (eg use in a plane and in three dimensions, scalar product)
Statistics and Probability (eg data handling, discrete and continuous variables, Normal and Binomial Distributions)
Calculus (eg differentiation as a gradient or a rate of change, use of integration to find areas and volumes)

The Higher Level Course takes all the Standard Level topics further with an additional Option:

Algebra (eg proof by induction, complex number)
Functions and Equations (eg absolute value functions, inequalities)
Trigonometry (eg compound angle identities)
Matrices (eg inverse of a matrix)
Vectors (eg vector product, equation of a plane)
Statistics and Probability (eg probability density functions, expectation and variance, Poisson Distribution)
Calculus (eg application of chain rule to related rates of change, solution of differential equations)
Option - Discrete Maths or Series and Differential equations or Statistics and Probability or Sets, Relations and Groups.

How will I be assessed?

In each case there are two aspects to the assessment:

For the Internal Assessment you will produce a Portfolio consisting of two pieces of work: a mathematical investigation and mathematical modelling exercise. These are set by the teacher and give you the opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of the practical applications of mathematics. The Portfolio is worth 20% of the total marks.
There is an end of course exam taken in May of the second year.

Paper 1 is a non calculator paper, Paper 2 will have extensive use of the graphical calculator and Paper 3 (Higher Level only) will be based mainly on the Option Topic.