Mathematics

 

Maths AQA GCSE Mathematics Student ActiveBook - Click Here

Welcome to the Maths Department web page for AGSB! Here you will be able to find information about the courses the Maths Department offers, departmental exam results for previous years and other useful information!

The Courses

Below you will find a brief description of each course, and an outline of some of the topics studied.

KS3 (Year 7, 8 and 9)

In Year 7 two forms are split into two sets top and bottom based on the maths component of the entrance exam. In November we give them another test and adjust the numbers in the sets. The intention at the moment is to enter the present Year 7 for SATs exams at the end of Year 8, taking levels 5-7. This year all of Year 9 are taking the SATs in May, all being entered to take levels 6-8.

KS4 (Year 10 and 11)

The school was invited by AQA to take part in a new GCSE pilot scheme, and we were honoured to be one of the first schools to take part in this pilot. The content of the syllabus has not been change, but there are two GCSE's being awarded in maths. The first one is modular and all Year 11 are taking their first module in Number and Statistics in January 2008. They also take two papers in Functional Maths which is a free standing exam, leading to a separate certificate in Functional Mathematics.

In June 2008 they take another module in algebra and geometry. There is also a second GCSE named Additional Maths which is based on a two hour paper. There is no coursework with this syllabus. QCA is evaluating this pilot study with the help of the Universities of Nottingham and Manchester, and we are cooperating with them.

Maths A-Level (Year 12 and 13)

In September 2000 we began the Edexcel modular course. This incorporates six modules for A level. The first three modules, Core 1, Core 2 and Mechanics 1 constitute an AS level qualification to be taken at the end of year 12. This will then be added to with three modules Core 3, Core 4 and Statistics 1 to give a full A level in Year 13.

Core or Pure Mathematics is an extension of the GCSE course although it involves some new topics altogether. Its basis is to provide you with a basic technique for use in applications. It broadly covers Analysis (Calculus), Algebra, Co-ordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Functions, Approximate methods of solution, Kinematics, Probability and descriptive Statistics, Logarithms, Indices, non-numerical Trigonometry, Differential Equations and Vectors.

Further Maths A-Level (Year 13)

We presently run this option as a double A-level. In Year 12 students take Mathematics A-level with the expectation of a grade A in one year. In year 13 students go on to take Further Mathematics A-level in just one year. This is of course a very tall order but is proving very successful. A normal option at A-level takes up 10 periods on a fortnightly timetable, for this Further Mathematics option a few extra periods are added to accommodate the increased number of modules.

Further Mathematics is to some extent an extension of A-level Mathematics with additional topics e.g. complex numbers, proof, polar co-ordinates, differential equations, vector geometry and matrices. After completing 6 or even 7 modules in year 12, you would then complete a further 6 modules in year 13 including two extra Pure modules, a decision Maths module, further Mechanics and Statistics modules.