Course description
On this course you will experience the intellectual challenge of advance Mathematics and appreciate some of its powerful applications in all fields.
You will develop your understanding of Mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment; develop an understanding of coherence and progression and of how different areas can be connected. You will extend your range of mathematical skills and techniques and use them in more difficult, unstructured problems.
You will also improve the wider skills vital for success in further studies or employment, including self-confidence, speaking in front of others, collaboration with others, taking responsibility and managing your time.
This is a course for those students who enjoy the challenge of problem solving in mathematics and those who are looking to study mathematics or any science related course at university.
We have excellent teaching and very high success rates.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English. A GCSE in Maths at grade 6 is required.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
The progression routes are limitless. The obvious choice will be a degree in Mathematics, Sciences, Engineering, Economics, Computer Science, Statistics, and Finance, just to name a few.
Alternatively, it is a very strong A Level to have in any application for an apprenticeship or an employment.
Training Course Content
We follow the AQA specification, your previous body could have been with any of the awarding bodies.
During the two years you will study:
- Pure Mathematics
- Mechanics
- Statistics
The Pure Mathematics topics on the first year, will develop your GCSE skills in algebra, trigonometry, and co-ordinate geometry and introduces some calculus techniques. They also provide the basis for the applications you will study in the Mechanics and the Statistics topics. The second year Pure Mathematics topics will extend your knowledge on the topics covered earlier in the course and there will be some new skills introduced and developed.
At a higher level, Mathematics is all about applying your knowledge to real life situations, so an interest in solving problems and puzzles is very useful. You need to be logical so that you can follow a mathematical argument, and creative so that you can look for different ways of applying your skills.
Mechanics is essentially the study of moving bodies. If you study A Level Physics or you studied Physics in your GCSE you will have covered some of the material in this topic, but the approach will be different, with more of an emphasis on problem solving.
The Statistics topic extends the statistical techniques that you studied at GCSE like probability, averages and introduces some new ideas about correlation between variables, statistical distributions and hypothesis testing.
Course delivery details
Explanations of new concepts, solving related mathematical problems individually and in groups. Varied learning methods include active learning and mathematical software packages, as well as investigation.
There will be a range of regular assignments, online assessments via our virtual learning environment (ALO) and regular personal feedback on your progression.
Homework: Regular problem solving to support topics currently being taught in class. Tasks will be differentiated and usually need between 2 and 3 hours work per week.
Expenses
Course related costs: £10 per academic year.
Scientific calculators are used in most lessons, it is a vital part of the Mathematics specification. During the course there will be dedicated sections on how to use the calculator effectively. In all examination papers you are allowed to use a calculator. We recommend Casio fx-991EX or Casio fx-CG50 calculator.
Activate Learning
Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group that aims for far-reaching, progressive change and impact through learning. We work with learners as individuals, helping them make the choice of course and career pathway that’s right for them. Our mission is to provide work-ready talent for business, and...