Maths

Key Stage 3

The school follows the CCEA Key Stage 3 Mathematics specification. Pupils follow a 3 year course and take the examinations in May of year 10. Pupils are selected for the tier which best suits their ability as outlined below.

The specification can be viewed at www.ccea.org.uk.

Key Stage 4

The school follows the CCEA Mathematics specification. Pupils take these examinations at the end of year 12. Pupils are entered for the tier which best suits their ability as outlined below.

The specification can be viewed at www.ccea.org.uk.

Additional Mathematics

Additional Mathematics is a popular subject and is a prerequisite for a number of careers – Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Aeronautical and Chemical), Computing, Accountancy and Teaching.

The Additional Mathematics specification is intended to cater for those students who require a knowledge of mathematics beyond GCSE Higher Tier Mathematics and who are capable of working beyond the limits of the GCSE Mathematics specification.

The Additional Mathematics specification is designed to broaden the experience of students whose mathematical ability is above average and who:

• will follow mathematical courses at AS/A Levels; or
• will follow courses at AS/A Level that require Mathematics beyond GCSE eg science, geography, technology or business; or
• wish to extend their knowledge of Mathematics.

The scheme of assessment will comprise of two written papers each of two hours duration.

The Additional Mathematics examination is taken with CCEA. Specifications can be viewed at www.ccea.org.uk.

AS and A-Level Mathematics

Mathematics is a popular subject at A – Level and is a prerequisite for a number of careers – Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Aeronautical and Chemical), Computing, Accountancy and Teaching.

Although not essential, it is advantageous to have studied Additional Mathematics in Years 11 and 12. The minimum requirement to study A-Level Mathematics is that a pupil should have studied GCSE Higher Mathematics and achieved a grade B or better.

AS – Level Mathematics is composed of 3 modules as detailed below:

• C1 (Pure Mathematics)
• C2 (Pure Mathematics)
• C3 (Mechanics)

The examination will consist of three one and a half-hour papers (1 paper per module).  Pupils will sit all three modules in June of Year 13. It may be possible for a pupil to re-sit some of the modules in January of Year 14 to try to improve their grade.

A-Level Mathematics is composed of 6 modules as detailed below

• C1 (Pure Mathematics)
• C2 (Pure Mathematics)
• C3 (Pure Mathematics)
• C4 (Pure Mathematics)
• M1 (Mechanics)
• S1 (Statistics)

The examination will consist of six one and a half-hour papers (1 paper per module). The very able pupil will be given the opportunity of following a one-year A-Level course and sitting the examination (all 6 modules) at the end of Year 13. Successful candidates will be encouraged to study Further A-Level Mathematics in Year 14. The remaining pupils will follow a two-year course – sitting various modules in June of Year 13 and in January and June of year 14.

A pupil may re-sit any module and the best result will count towards the final grade.

The AS-Level Mathematics and A-Level Mathematics examinations are taken with Edexcel. Specifications can be viewed at www.edexcel.org.uk.

A-Level Further Mathematics

‘A’ Level Further Mathematics is composed of 6 modules as detailed below.

• FP1 (Further Pure Mathematics)
• FP2 (Further Pure Mathematics)
• FP3 (Further Pure Mathematics)
• M2 (Mechanics)
• M3 (Mechanics)
• S2 (Statistics)

The examination will consist of six one and a half hour papers (1 paper per module)

The ‘A’ Level Further Mathematics examinations are taken with CCEA.
Specifications can be viewed at www.ccea.org.uk