What will you learn?
A-Level maths builds on the work in GCSE. Everything learnt in the GCSE syllabus will be revisited and used to solve increasingly difficult problems. There is a large focus on formal notation, and you will answer fewer questions with more depth in each exam.
Pure Mathematics
- Proof – You will learn further methods of proof within mathematics, such as proof by deduction or contradiction.
- Algebra and functions – You will expand upon your work from GCSE and learn about the formal notation that is required for mathematics beyond A-Level
- Calculus – You will learn about the processes of differentiation and integration and many of its applications. These will include how companies maximise profit
- Exponentials and logarithms – You will learn about models of exponential growth, including how to estimate how often bacteria may multiply if they are growing exponentially
- Trigonometry- You will further explore uses of trigonometry, including learning of some new trigonometric functions not covered at GCSE level.
Statistics
You will learn about how statisticians and scientists use models to make estimates about real world situations along with the implications and restrictions that must be put in place to ensure a successful study. For students studying GCSE statistics, it will build upon the foundation you learned at GCSE and extend some of the skills you have used already.
Mechanics
You will use many of the skills learnt in physics about objects in motion to set up a framework that allows you to model situations in a controlled manner.