A-Level Mathematics

A Level Mathematics

Specification: OCR MEI

Method of Assessment:

Students will be assessed via three two hour long assessments. Paper 1 and two have a total of 100 marks each and Paper 3 has a total of 75 marks.

All students are required to have a calculator recommended by QCA. A graphics calculator can be an advantage in some of the modules.

Course Overview:

In Pure Mathematics students will extend their knowledge of GCSE topics such as Algebra and Trigonometry as well as learning new topics such as Calculus. Pure mathematics includes proof, algebra, graphs, sequences, trigonometry, logarithms, calculus and vectors.

In Mechanics students will learn how to describe mathematically the motion of objects and how they respond to forces acting upon them. Much of the Mechanics in A Level Maths crosses over with A Level Physics. Mechanics includes kinematics, motion under gravity, working with forces including friction, Newton’s laws and simple moments.

In Statistics students will learn a range of methods aimed at sampling, representing and interpreting sets of data.  Students will also study Probability and Hypothesis Testing. The new A Level specification also requires students to work with and manipulate a large data set using technology. Statistics includes working with data from a sample to make inferences about a population, probability calculations, using binomial and Normal distributions as models and statistical hypothesis testing.

Units Studied:

All students are required to study the following three units:

1. Pure Mathematics
2. Mechanics
3. Statistics

Unlike the old A level system, students will sit their examinations at the end of Year 13 and will be required to combine skills from all three aspects above.

In addition to the above, students are required to be familiar with the use of technology in Maths and be able to manipulate a large data set.

Entry Requirements:

Students require a minimum of 7 GCSE’s at grade 5 or above or equivalent, including English (Literature or Language) and Mathematics, with at least a grade 6 in Mathematics, Students wishing to take the course with at least a grade 6 or 7 in Mathematics are required to do an induction test.

Reading Materials / Resources:

http://www.kangaroomaths.com/index.php

http://www.livemaths.co.uk/

http://nrich.maths.org/public/ 

http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/resourcesalevel.htm

https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/

https://integralmaths.org/

Students studying Maths will be given a login for Integral which is created by MEI as a resource for support and questions based around the OCR MEI A Level course.

Reading list: (Books for the enjoyment of Mathematics):

• Mathematics: a very short introduction - Timothy Gowers
• The Pleasures of Counting - T.W. Körner
• The Mathematical Experience - P.J. Davis & R. Hersh
• The Penguin Dictionary of Curious and Interesting Numbers - D.Wells
• Fermat’s Last Theorem – Simon Singh

Career Opportunities

A Level Mathematics is a much sought after and highly respected qualification, which can open doors to a wide range of higher education courses and rewarding careers.  Higher education courses that require A Level Mathematics include Economics, Teaching, Medicine, Psychology, Architecture, Engineering, Science and Accountancy.

For more information, please contact Mr Patel c/o sixthform@harristottenham.org.uk

Please mark FAO and contact name in the subject of the email.