All About A-Level Mathematics
In the United Kingdom and some other international countries, 17-18 year olds often opt for Advanced Level Maths or A Level Maths as it is popularly known as. There are 17-18 year-olds who opt for this two-year course at a sixth form or college level. Students who wish to study for a mathematics-based degree also often opt for Advanced Level Further Mathematics.
Like any other A level subjects, since the introduction of Curriculum 2000, mathematics has been assessed in a modular system. Under this system, each candidate must take six modules. The best achieved score in each of these modules (after any retake) contribute to the final grade. Usually, students will complete three modules in one year, which will create an AS-level qualification in their own right. Then, they will go on to complete the A level course the following year—with three more modules.
Some mathematics students do choose to take an A level in Further Mathematics. This requires taking a further 6 modules to give a second qualification. The grades of the two A levels are independent of each other. But the Further Mathematics requires students to take a minimum of two Further Pure modules, one of which must be FP1, and the other either FP2 or FP3; which are simply extensions of the four Core modules from the normal Maths A-Level. Four more modules need to be taken; those available vary with different specifications.
However, not all schools are able to offer Further Mathematics, due to a low student number (which means that the course is not financially viable) or that there is a lack of suitably experienced teachers. To fulfil the demand, extra online Maths tutoring is available, with providers such as the, Further Mathematics Support Programme and www.wizert.com
Some students can also take a third maths qualification, "Additional Further Mathematics", which adds more modules from those not used for Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Schools that offer this qualification usually only take this to AS-level, taking three modules, although some students can go further, taking the extra six modules to gain another full A-Level qualification. Additional Further Mathematics is offered by Edexcel only, and a Pure Mathematics A level is available for students who—on the Edexcel exam board—take the modules C1, C2, C3, C4, FP1 and either FP2 or FP3.
CHANGES IN THE SPECIFICATIONS
In 2017, the assessment system in which mathematics is assessed changed as a part of the A-level reforms first introduced in 2015. The reformed specifications reverted to a linear structure which meant that exams were taken only at the end of the course in a single sitting.
There were other changes as well. Previously, schools could choose freely between taking Statistics, Mechanics or Discrete Mathematics (also known as Decision Mathematics) modules, with the choice to specialise in one branch of applied Mathematics under the older modular specification. Under the new specifications, both Mechanics and Statistics were made compulsory. Discrete Mathematics was made exclusive as an option to students pursuing a Further Mathematics course. The first assessment opportunity for the new specification was in 2018 and 2019 for A levels in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, respectively.
Under the new specification, there are three papers which must all be taken in the same year, with each examination board structured these papers differently as shown below:
AQA
- Paper 1: Pure Mathematics
- Paper 2: Content on Paper 1 plus Mechanics
- Paper 3: Content on Paper 1 plus Statistics
Edexcel
- Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1
- Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2
- Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics
OCR
- Paper 1: Pure Mathematics
- Paper 2: Pure Mathematics and Statistics
- Paper 3: Pure Mathematics and Mechanics
The UK Department of Education made the comment that owing to the high proportion of candidates who obtain grade A, makes it difficult for universities to distinguish between the most able candidates. As a result, the 2010 exam session introduced the grade A*—which serves to distinguish between the better candidates.
The A* grade in maths is awarded to candidates who achieve an A (480/600) in their overall A Level, as well as achieving a combined score of 180/200 in modules Core 3 and Core 4.
The A* grade in further maths is awarded slightly differently. The same minimum score of 480/600 is required across all six modules. However, a 90% average (or a score of 270/300) must be obtained across the candidate's best 'A2' modules. A2 modules include any modules other than those with a '1' (FP1, S1, M1 and D1 are not A2 modules, whereas FP2, FP3, FP4 (from AQA only), S2, S3, S4, M2, M3 and D2 are)
INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL MATHEMATICS
Cambridge assessments holds A-Level Maths examinations internationally. Cambridge International A Level Mathematics helps develop a set of transferable skills. These include the skill of working with mathematical information, as well as the ability to think logically and independently, consider accuracy, model situations mathematically, analyse results and reflect on findings. Learners are expected to apply these skills across a wide range of subjects and these skills equip them well for progression to higher education or directly into employment.
At AS level, teachers can choose from three different routes to Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics: Pure Mathematics only, Pure Mathematics and Mechanics, or Pure Mathematics and Probability & Statistics.
At A Level, teachers can also choose from different routes to Cambridge International A Level Mathematics depending on the choice of applied mathematics (Mechanics and/or Probability and Statistics).
As noted before, from 2020 Cambridge International A Level Mathematics has two different routes: Pure Mathematics and Probability & Statistics only; or Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Probability & Statistics.
SUPPORT FOR A-LEVEL MATHEMATICS INTERNATIONALLY
Cambridge International provides a lot of support to teachers and students alike for all subjects including A-Level Mathematics. They provide access to digital resources like Resource Plus, which are normally available by subscription only, to everyone in their global community free of charge. Resource Plus gives access to high quality videos, ready-made lesson plans and teaching materials that can be used by teachers to help their students learn and prepare for their exams.
They also publish useful information for students like definitions of key Mathematical terms used in our AS and A-level Maths and Further Maths specifications. They are as follows:
1.Practical or 'in context' interpretation
Where a question asks for a practical interpretation, it specifically indicates that the answer should be phrased in context i.e., referring to the scenario given in the question rather than in general terms.
2. Hence
Use results found or given earlier in the question.
3. Hence, or Otherwise
Any correct method is acceptable, but results found or given earlier in the question could be useful.
4. Exact value
The answer should be simplified as far as possible but should not be rounded. Answers should be written in terms of π, e, g, etc and irrational terms such as √2.
For more online A Level Maths support or personalised Math tutors sign up for a free demo session at www.wizert.com