Mathematics AS and A Level

Please make sure you have checked the entry requirements before submitting your application. Please also be aware that we use an Attainment 8 requirement for students choosing to do Science and Maths subjects. This is explained further on our website: https://www.taptonschool.co.uk/page/?title=Subjects&pid=69

We will use the message function to contact you about your application, so please keep an eye on this.

This course will develop a students skills in the principles of Pure Mathematics and apply them to Statistics and Mechanics.

Students should have a keen interest in Mathematics and a possible desire to study Mathematics at University though this is not essential. All courses require a commitment to hard work outside the classroom, at least as many hours private study as you have lessons, and willingness to talk to your teachers and seek help when you know you need it.

“Maths is a highly enjoyable and rewarding subject. It is very demanding but there is a high sense of achievement when it comes to problem solving. All the teachers are very approachable about anything and are always willing to help.”

Links with other subjects

Pure and Statistics – Geography, Economics, Biology, PE, Psychology, Sociology, Computer Science

Pure and Mechanics – Physics, Chemistry, Design Technology.

Further Mathematics – This course links with all of the above.

AS Mathematics:

Students will study 3 components: Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics.

A Level Mathematics:

Students will complete further study of the 3 components: Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics.

AS Further Mathematics:

Students will study a core component of Further Pure Maths alongside 2 optional components from Statistics, Mechanics, Discrete Maths and Additional Pure Maths.

A Level Further Mathematics: Students will complete further study of the 3 components of AS Further Mathematics.

Method of Assessment

AS Mathematics will comprise of 2 assessed papers – Pure & Statistics, Pure & Mechanics. The papers are taken in June of Y12.

A Level Mathematics will assess the whole 2 year course and will comprise of 3 papers – Pure Maths, Pure & Statistics, Pure & Mechanics. This will be assessed in June of Y13.

For AS and A2 Further Mathematics, modules will be assessed in May/June of Y12 and Y13.

Extension and Enrichment Opportunities

University Master classes

National Maths Challenges

Sheffield University Y12 and Y13 Advanced Problem Solving and pre-STEP tuition.

AS Mathematics is assessed by 2 components at the end of Y12:

Pure Maths and Statistics

Pure Maths and Mechanics

A Level Mathematics is assessed by 3 components at the end of Y13:

Pure Maths

Pure Maths and Statistics

Pure Maths and Mechanics

Grade 7 GCSE for AS and A Level Maths courses.

Grade 8 GCSE for Further Mathematics courses.

Tapton School's minimum entry requirements for all students: Grade 5 in English Language; Grade 4 in Mathematics and three other GCSEs at grade 4 and above.

Check your Attainment 8 if you are intending to study Science and Maths

At Tapton we add another level to our entry requirements, solely for the Sciences and Maths. We have found that historically, there is a link between how a student performs in these subjects and the average point score that they received for their GCSEs. Therefore, as well as achieving the individual entry requirements for each subject, the following conditions apply:

• To study all 3 Sciences and Maths, you need an Attainment 8 of 70 (equivalent to all 7s and above)
• To study 3 Sciences or 2 Sciences and Maths, you need an Attainment 8 of 64 (equivalent to mainly 7s and some 6s)
• To study 2 Sciences or 1 Science and Maths, you need an Attainment 8 of 55 (equivalent to mainly 5s with some 6s).

Career prospects are infinite. Mathematics opens up the possibility of careers in medicine, banking and insurance, commerce, marketing, accountancy, engineering, research and design, educaton, government and public services, research statisticians, managers, administrators, manufacturing, industry and the armed forces to name a few. Naturally, A Level Mathematics is a very highly valued subject in the eyes of universities and other institutes of Higher Education.