Maths A Level
Qualification: GCE A Level in Mathematics
Exam Board & Specification Code: Pearson; 9MA0; Specification
Course Entry Requirements: 6 in Maths GCSE and 4 in English Language GCSE or 4 in English Literature GCSE
Please make sure that you have understood the overall entry requirements to study at BHASVIC. These are available here and outline the GCSE grades you need to take up one of the Study Programmes at the college.
Length and size of qualification: 2 year single course
Timetable hours: 4.5 hours per week
Assessment method: 3 x 2 hour exams
BHASVIC Department: Maths
What will I study?
This is a two year course, that is assessed by three 2 hour exam papers taken at the end of the two years – Pure 1, Pure 2 and the Applied paper which is 50% Statistics and 50% Mechanics. Having the drive to access the support on offer at BHASVIC and establishing a routine to your study is essential to success. This support can be found both in class via peers and your teacher, or outside of class using a variety of methods e.g. Microsoft Teams; lunch time subject extensions (both teacher and student led). Students will need to be resilient, enjoy getting stuck and overcoming problems.
Is this course right for me?
This course is demanding, and will feel like a big step up from GCSE at first. But if you enjoy working hard, and enjoy tackling a difficult problem, then this is the course for you. BHASVIC Maths will stretch and challenge all of its learners, and provides plenty of support along the way. Students will spend at least 4.5 hours per week on independent study, culminating in the submission of an assignment each week. Students sit a weekly assignment test, and a tracking test every half term, with a progression exam at the end of their first year. Having strong GCSE algebra skills will really help when starting this course, but with hard work and perseverance, any student can succeed. All students find this course challenging at some point, but the difference between a successful and unsuccessful student is how they respond to that challenge.
Frequently asked questions
The biggest difference is the pace of the course rather than the content. There is a lot to cover in a short time.
The CASIO Classwiz Advanced FX-991EX Calculator
The course is 2/3rds Pure (which is algebra), 1/6th mechanics (which is similar to Physics), 1/6th statistics.
Where next?
Studying Mathematics helps students develop logical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills that are valued by both universities and employers across many job sectors. Mathematics is part of the STEM subjects (Science, Technology Engineering and Maths) where there is a current skills shortage for employers. This means that skills from these disciplines are in demand in the job market and have good long term career prospects. There are jobs available relating to diverse interests and they span a wide variety of sectors including entertainment, health, transport, sport, finance, space, energy, agriculture and construction. Jobs directly related to the subject could include Actuarial Analyst, Chartered Accountant, Data Scientist, Investment Analyst, Teacher and Statistician. Careers where Maths can be useful include Financial Manager, Insurance Underwriter, Meteorologist and Quantity Surveyor. Studying Maths A level will be excellent preparation to study Maths or a related discipline at university. Apprenticeships requiring highly numerate individuals will also hold this A level subject in high regard. Useful websites to research careers and wider progression options could include Future Morph, Where can STEM take you, Maths Careers, All About Careers and The Apprenticeship Guide. Please Note: If you want to apply for the top universities in Physics, Maths, Engineering, then double maths is essential. STEP & STRETCH classes are also available to help you prepare for top university entry exams if needed. Some university departments in the following subjects may prefer students to have A Level Maths if possible: Physics, Psychology, Economics, Computing, and Accountancy. This can be checked with admissions departments at each university.