MATHS

Head of Department:  Mrs J Green

1st - 3rd year
All girls have five lessons per week and, from the end of the 1st year (Year 7), the girls are taught in sets according to their ability.  We follow the national strategy for Key Stage 3.

CURRICULUM - GCSE
In years 4 and 5, pupils continue to have five lessons per week and we follow the Edexcel IGCSE syllabus.
 http://www.edexcel-international.org/quals/igcse/4400/

There are two tiers of examinations and we prepare all girls for the higher one which covers grades A* to D, although after the mock GCSE exams we may decide to enter a few girls for the foundation level paper (maximum grade C) which contains less algebra. There is no coursework in Maths. 

A LEVEL MATHS OCR Syllabus 3890 (AS)   7890 (A2)
 We are living in a highly complex technical world and any post GCSE Maths qualification is highly considered by universities and by employers as it develops analytical and problem solving skills.  Maths can be an absorbing and fascinating subject if you gain a real understanding of the ideas being considered.
 
AS level (1st year) A2 level (2nd year)

C1:

This is one of the core modules.  We shall continue the ideas developed in GCSE on indices and surds, polynomials, and coordinate geometry.  The module includes an introduction to calculus.

C3:

We shall extend the ideas introduced at AS-Level pure mathematics.  Calculus techniques will be important as well as more trigonometry, numerical methods and algebra.

C2:

In this core pure module we extend trigonometry and take a look at series, algebra and integration.

C4:

The second A2 pure module deals with algebra, further calculus (including differential equations) and vectors

S1:

This statistics module provides the groundwork for the later work on statistics.  It includes representation of data, probability, the binomial and geometric distributions and some bivariate data analysis.

S2:

We study the normal and Poisson distributions and introduce the ideas of continuous random variables as well as sampling and hypothesis testing.  The module is a very good basis for statistics modules in many subjects at university.


There is no coursework module at AS or A2.

REQUIREMENTS
 There is a considerable jump in standard between GCSE and A or AS-Level Maths and you should only consider this option if you have grade A or A* at GCSE.  You should be capable of thinking logically and manipulating algebraic expressions and be interested in solving problems.

What subjects does Maths go with?  All of them!  There is not a subject that is not complemented by Maths.  Subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography and Economics are all considerably enhanced by following this subject at A-Level.  You will be at a considerable advantage if you wish to take any course that involves the study of statistical data (eg Business Studies, Economics, Geography and possibly Medicine).

A-level FURTHER MATHEMATICS - Please see Further Maths Page.

If there is a demand, we can arrange for you to study more modules to suit your requirements. Three further modules lead to AS Further Maths and six are required for A-level Further Maths. If you are thinking of doing Maths at university, you should do either AS-level or A-level Further Maths in the Upper Sixth if you wish.

 

St George's School, Wells Lane, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7DZ  Telephone: 01344 629900
E-mail: office@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk