Maths
What levels are on offer?You can take Maths at Higher 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.
- Maths Studies is for everybody!
For Higher Level Maths we would prefer an A or A* at GCSE.
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 Higher Level Course has an additional Option Paper
- Algebra: eg proof by induction, complex numbers
- 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.
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 will be based mainly on the Option Topic.