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A Level Mathematics

2 year Course / Edexcel

The course comprises two thirds Pure Mathematics and one third Applied Mathematics. The topics in Pure Mathematics are a mixture of the familiar and unfamiliar. There is plenty of algebra including
quadratic and simultaneous equations together with trigonometry, coordinate geometry and graphs. Applied Mathematics is made up of Mechanics and Statistics.

WHAT DOES ‘MATHEMATICS’ MEAN TO YOU?

Is it the study of patterns? Or is it a way of making new relationships between ideas such as graphs and algebra? Do you see mathematics as a human activity that forms part of our culture? Perhaps it is a way of illuminating the relationships we see in the world around us. Familiar topics such as Algebra and Functions, and Co-ordinate Geometry are studied alongside new topics including Logarithms, a wider view of Trigonometry, and Differentiation and Integration together known as Calculus. We add new topics such as Numerical Methods and an extension of Vectors which you may be familiar with from GCSE.

Alongside these areas of Pure Mathematics you will study:
MECHANICS – The mathematics used to study the physical world, modelling motion of objects and the forces acting on them. This includes Newton’s First, Second and Third Laws.
STATISTICS – This involves data presentation and probability, both of which follow on from topics at GCSE. This leads to the study of statistical distributions with special properties such as the Normal Distribution.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Students will be taught by specialist teachers and experience a wide variety of lesson activities such as investigation, group tasks and individual study. Students are expected to complete frequent wider study tasks and are assessed on a regular basis.

Assessment

The course is assessed by three external exams at the end of Year 13.

Careers Insight

The skills developed through the study of mathematics are in high demand from employers and universities. In addition to developing the ability to solve problems and think logically, the study of mathematics provides opportunities to develop team-working skills, resilience, effective communication of complex ideas and the ability to use your own initiative. A wide range of degree courses are open to students with A-level Mathematics. Mathematics, Physics and some Computer Science degrees require this subject.

Student Testimonials

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“Education is our collective investment in understanding the world and securing the future. Education is the great social and economic equalizer. It lowers the barriers to opportunity and drives social mobility and positive life outcomes. It offers everyone the chance to develop knowledge and learn skills to transform themselves and their communities. It helps us adapt to new demands and challenges.”

Dr. Fiona Hill CMG

Chancellor of Durham University, defence advisor to the UK government and Senior Fellow at The Brookings Institution, Washington DC

“communities in the North have a strong sense of place and purpose.  For regional development to succeed, we need to develop and retain the talent of young people.   Durham Mathematics School has a crucial part to play in that process.”

Ed Twiddy

Co-founder of Atom Bank and former Director of the North East LEP

“the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Durham University has a longstanding commitment to outreach and widening participation…[and] is eager to engage in a very practical way”

Peter Bowcock

Associate Professor, Mathematical and Theoretical Particle Physics 

“Durham and the wider North East have made significant economic strides in recent years with important growth sectors including Space and Satellite, Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences. These are sectors that rely on us nurturing talent through our education system and ensuring that we offer the very best possible learning opportunities to our children and young people. Education is an ecosystem and have a Maths School in our Region is critical to that ecosystem optimising. A Maths School will provide the opportunity for young people from across the region who have a fascination for the subject to be stretched and challenged. From there they can go on to study at the very best Universities and on to make significant contributions to the Region and to global society.”

Cllr Elizabeth Scott

Portfolio Holder for Economy and Partnerships, Durham County Council