A level Maths

A new set of specifications for A and AS level maths came into effect from September 2004. The main point of interest is simply that candidates on this new syllabus have to cover about 17% less material than their predecessors.

The A level consists of six modules of which four are compulsory, as they cover “The Common Core” which forms the basis of all boards’ A levels. These four are made up of pure maths topics and use a good deal of algebra, so a strength in this area is clearly an asset. The other two can be selected from a range of options as included in the list below:                

Core modules:	C1*	C2	C3	C4
Mechanics:	M1	M2	M3	M4
Statistics:	S1	S2	S3	S4
Decision Maths:	D1	D2
Further Pure:		FP1	FP2	FP3

* this has a non-calculator exam. There is no coursework involved with any of these modules.

Mechanics is the maths associated with physics, such as equations of motion, momentum and friction. Decision maths is, as its name suggests, about making optimal decisions and draws on the world of business studies for its problems to solve.

An A level will normally be made up of C1, C2, C3 and C4 together with one of

(a)      M1 + S1        (b)      M1 + D1        (c)      S1 + D1,

while an AS comprises C1 and C2 along with one applied module.

It is also possible to do an AS level in Further Maths with FP1, which is an AS module, depending on C1 and C2 but nothing higher, together with two other modules.

Further maths A level will require C1, C2, C3, C4, FP1, FP2 and/or FP3 and a total of twelve modules from those available.

All exams will be 1½ hours long and there is no restriction on the number of re-sits allowed.