Mathematics

Entry Requirements: A minimum grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics | Exam Board: OCR

Why Study Mathematics?

In recent years Mathematics has become the most popular subject choice at A level by UK students. Students recognise that A level Mathematics is a challenging and rewarding choice; it also gives students a set of skills that are crucial to success in a wide variety of fields including science, engineering, economics, law, business, and technology.

The main reason, however, for studying Mathematics to an advanced level is that it is interesting and enjoyable. Students enjoy the challenge and clarity of the subject, and the fact that they know when they are right! Solving a mathematical problem gives a rewarding sense of achievement and satisfaction.

When patterns are found, often in widely different areas of science and technology, the mathematics of these patterns can be used to explain and control natural happenings and situations. Mathematics has a pervasive influence on our everyday lives, and even contributes to the wealth of the nation.

The Course

The course is OCR A level Mathematics (Specification A). Through Year 12 and Year 13 students will study Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics. Underpinning the course is a focus on mathematical modelling, which is how mathematicians understand and predict events in the world around us.

In Year 12, students will review some of the algebra and geometry from GCSE, and learn introductory calculus, logarithms, and further trigonometry. There is a particular focus on proof. In Mechanics, they will learn about forces and acceleration, Newton’s Laws of Motion, and motion under gravity. In Statistics, students will build on their GCSE understanding of probability and data analysis to include hypothesis testing. They will also meet the binomial distribution. A key part of the mathematics specification is becoming familiar with a large data set and how technology can be used to analyse data.

In Year 13 students deepen their knowledge of calculus and trigonometry, study natural logarithms, functions and parametric equations. In Mechanics students will learn about moments, the motion of projectiles, and how friction affects motion. In Statistics, students meet the normal distribution, correlation analysis and they explore hypothesis testing which seeks to use the statistical properties of a sample to infer properties of a much larger group.

There is no coursework and the A level course is examined in three exam papers at the end of Year 13.

Opportunities

In the long term, studying Mathematics gives students many opportunities. Becoming fluent in the language of mathematics allows students to develop a deep understanding of many other subject areas. To succeed in Mathematics you need to be clear-thinking and accurate – attributes that employers are always looking for.

Over the years we have organised a range of visitors from the UK who have given students interesting perspectives on mathematics. There are also the annual UKMT Team Challenges in which JCG competes against schools from across Jersey. Students who wish to study Mathematics or a related subject at university are also encouraged to study for the MAT, STEP, or TMUA examination with preparation lessons taking place weekly throughout Years 12 and 13.