Mathematics is taught in six divisions based on ability. Initial placement is based on performance in the Foundation Scholarship, Common Entrance or our own entrance tests and we review the division of all pupils in the school regularly. The curriculum includes work on Number, Algebra, Probability and Trigonometry with an emphasis on understanding and problem solving.
There are three courses offered in the department all of which take GCSE/IGCSE as their starting point. The AS level course is described later on this page under “Minor Subjects” and the other principal subject courses below. In all cases it is the policy of the department to teach in groups divisioned by ability wherever possible. None of these courses involves coursework.
This is a two year course covering the following topics: Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Mechanics, Statistics and Probability. The course will lead to either A level Mathematics with Edexcel or the Cambridge Pre-U qualification. The decision as to which qualification all pupils will take will be made by the department during 2009. Note that pupils will not have a choice as to which qualification they take and that all pupils will take the same qualification.
This is a two year course, often called Double Mathematics, leading to either two A levels in Mathematics and Further Mathematics with Edexcel or to two Cambridge Pre-U qualifications in Mathematics and Further Mathematics. This course has twice the amount of teaching time as Single Mathematics. It is particularly suitable for students who are interested in Mathematics, Computing, Physics, Engineering or Economics and who are considering applying to a top university for one of these subjects. The course covers the same topics as the single mathematics course but does so in considerably more depth and the skills that are so developed are highly valued by top universities. The decision as to which qualification all pupils will take will be made by the department during 2009. Note that pupils will not have a choice as to which qualification they take and that all pupils will take the same qualification.
Mathematics may be combined successfully with all other subjects.
Universities and employers value the academic training that Mathematics provides and areas such as Law or Computing consider the logical training provided by Mathematics as extremely helpful. Mathematics is essential for most Science, Engineering and Economics courses. Nowadays even the best universities have relatively few pupils with a good mathematical background applying to them and such pupils (particularly Double Mathematicians) tend to receive many attractive offers from universities and, later on, from employers.
This course will develop the ideas of Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Statistics and Probability.
The course is suitable for pupils who want to carry on with some Mathematics as a Specialist but do not envisage studying Mathematics, Computer Science or Economics at university. Having AS level Mathematics will be an advantage for Science, Engineering, Geography, Business, Architecture and a variety of other university courses for applicants who are not able to study Mathematics as a principal subject.
M.K. Elston