Mathematics

Mathematics

Our Subject

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An introduction to Maths and Further Maths
A Level Maths FAQs

Mathematics is a challenging, rewarding and surprisingly creative A-Level which encourages you to see and use the links between different concepts. We will use a variety of approaches to help you develop your problem solving skills and appreciate the power of mathematical thinking.

To study Mathematics at Bilborough College, you need a grade 7 in Maths GCSE and grade 4 in English.

Love Maths and want more than one A level in it? Consider studying Further Mathematics at Bilborough.

Not on target for 7 grade at GCSE but still want to continue with Maths at Bilborough? Consider Mathematical Studies as part of your programme of study.

Our links with HE

A-level Maths provides students with a thorough grounding in the mathematical tools and techniques often needed in the workplace. The logic and reasoning skills developed by studying A-level Maths make sure the qualification is widely respected even in non-mathematical arenas. There is a great website www.mathscareers.org.uk where you can find out about the career paths that are open to you after studying maths.

We aim to give you the best possible footing for university. Maths A-level is a highly regarded qualification and is a requirement of many university courses, including some of the science or engineering based degrees

Alongside the teaching, we endeavour to give you enrichment and C.V.-enhancing opportunities:

London Trip-This year, a group of maths students went on a residential trip to London which included a Code Breaking Workshop looking at the Enigma Machine and Ciphers and a Lecture on The Maths Behind Roller Coaster Design at Thorpe Park (and then time to experience the maths on the rides!!).

Maths Inspiration Show – We have run trips to the Maths Inspiration Show where students have the opportunity to, as the organisers put it, “experience the UK’s most inspiring maths speakers live, … presenting mathematics in the context of exciting, real-world situations”.

Maths Challenge – Students are encouraged to enter the Senior Maths Challenge, an international competition run by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust. We regularly see several of our students achieving Gold and going further in the competition. You can also try out for the Team Challenge. Our college has performed impressively in this competition in recent years: we were the regional competition winners in 2017!

Congratulations to Bilborough College students George Bird, Isaac Evans, Ameer Saleem and Lydia Stott, members of our winning Senior Maths Challenge Team on achieving joint first place with The West Bridgford School in the regional finals. They scored 54/60 in Round 1, 61/62 in Round 2 and 48/60 in Round 3. Looking forward to the finals in London early next year!


Course Structure

You will begin by revising higher tier GCSE algebra before learning about graphs of functions, in particular, their shapes and transformations of graphs. You will be introduced to ‘Calculus’ – the branch of mathematics that looks at differentiation and integration – and their applications to functions. Alongside calculus, the course extends your knowledge of GCSE trigonometry and you will learn how to solve trigonometric equations and prove trigonometric identities. You will be introduced to completely new topics in algebra, such as logarithms.

The course also covers elements of statistics – the collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data – and mechanics – modelling problems involving forces, mass and motion.

The new AQA specification has more emphasis on problem solving, reasoning and modelling, and a requirement for the use of technology to permeate teaching and learning.

This qualification is assessed by three equally weighted papers at the end of year 13:

Paper 1 – Pure topics assessed (2h paper)
Paper 2 – Pure and Mechanics topics assessed (2hr paper)
Paper 3 – Pure and Statistics topics assessed (2hr)

Each paper will contain a mix of question styles, from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems.

Note: In general, students will not be entered for the AS qualification at the end of Year 12.


Inspiration

“Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.”
The National Framework from the Department for Education (page 88)

Love maths? Please see Further Mathematics.







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