Mathematics

Examining Board – AQA

Subject Content

The following courses are available at AS and A2 Level:  

  • Mathematics (with Statistics modules)  
  • Mathematics (with Mechanics modules)  
  • Mathematics and Further Mathematics

Students who are interested in a career in engineering or who are taking A2 Level Physics should consider following a course containing some Mechanics modules. 

The Mathematics (with statistics modules) options would be beneficial to most students in their chosen careers/degree courses. Students who are very good at Mathematics should consider taking Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Most of these students continue to study all four subjects in Year 13 and obtain 4 good A-levels.

Single Mathematics Options:

The following courses can be taken as a single A2 Level option:  

  • Mathematics (with Statistics)
  • Mathematics (with Mechanics)

Double Maths Options:

The following course leads to two A2 Level grades:

  • Mathematics together with Further Mathematics
  • This course consists of modules in Pure Mathematics, Statistics, Mechanics and Decision Modules.  

Methods of Study

There will be a variety of teaching strategies used throughout the Mathematics courses. Often students will experience teacher led learning with opportunities for them to develop ideas, concepts and skills further through their own research and independent study. The use of ICT as a tool to enhance learning is also used to deliver all the Mathematics-based courses and several software packages are available for use by students. Staff use the available interactive whiteboards and the departmental laptops are used by students during their lessons. Homework is an essential part of this course and will be set at least twice a week for each course.  

Methods of Assessment

All assessment is by examination. There is no coursework element to any of the Mathematics modules offered at Rainford College. Each module is assessed by an examination of 1 hour 30 minutes. It is possible for students to re-sit individual examinations. This should be done in consultation with the Key Stage 5 Curriculum Manager of Mathematics/Head of Mathematics.  

Entry Requirements

Mathematics is, inherently, a sequential subject. There is a progression of material through all levels at which the subject is studied. The criteria therefore builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills established at GCSE. Thus candidates embarking on AS/A2 Level study in Mathematics subjects are expected to have at least Grade B in GCSE Mathematics. To study Further Mathematics, students are expected to have achieved an A in GCSE Mathematics. 

Resources

Resources are provided by the Maths Department through Rainford Connect, a virtual learning environment (VLE) where teaching staff can place resources such as PowerPoint’s and practice exam papers for students to access. This means that students can access school work from home using their normal school account.