Mathematics A Level
What is A-Level Mathematics?
In A-Level Mathematics, we follow the AQA specification. You will study three core parts of maths: Pure, Mechanics and Statistics. Within Pure Maths, we will look at proofs, algebra, functions, coordinate geometry, sequences, series, trigonometry, exponentials, logarithms, differentiation, integration and numerical methods. The topics that are clear recaps and extension from GCSE are algebra, coordinate geometry and trigonometry. In Mechanics, we will explore vectors, quantities and units, kinematics, forces, Newton's laws and moments. In Statistics, we will study sampling, data presentation and interpretation, probability, statistical distributions and hypothesis testing.
For more information:
How to prepare for September?
During induction, your teacher will explain the transition work to you. All the resources are available here: https://amsp.org.uk/resource/gcse-alevel-transition-resources. There are six sections to work through: Simplifying, Expanding, Factorising, Rearranging, Solving and Sketching. These are foundational topics that are critical for success in your study of A Level Mathematics so you need to complete all of the questions in all of the attached documents. If you have mastered these skills then you are prepared to succeed at A Level as long as you are prepared to work hard! You will be handing this work in to your maths teacher when you see them for the first time in September. All work should be clearly titled and working out should be clear and complete.
If you would like some enrichment tasks that explore some rich ideas in mathematics then please look at the A Level Further Maths transition page which has lots of suggestions.
Apart from knowledge, you will also need an advanced scientific calculator, Casio fx-991EX classwiz (commonly called Classwiz) which has inbuilt functions such as summary statistics, probability of standard statistical distributions, iterative functions and more. If you get this before September, you may want to use drfrostmaths to learn to use it.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Abbey College Sixth Form Maths Department