Maths

Mathematics

In A level Mathematics, students are able to enhance their skills in thinking their way through a problem; the sense of achievement each time is a goal in itself. As Marcus du Sautoy says, “Mathematics has beauty and romance. It’s not a boring place to be, the mathematical world. It’s an extraordinary place; it’s worth spending time there.”
 

Mathematics is the most studied of all A Level subjects, both here at King Edward’s and nationally. Not only is it a challenging and interesting subject to get involved in, it gives students the skills and knowledge to access a wide range of courses for further study. So, not only will it help you get where you’re going, the journey itself is part of the attraction. The more mathematics you know, the better it gets!

There are two types of A Level Mathematics courses on offer at Sixth Form, Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Both courses follow the OCR B (MEI) linear specification.

These courses have been developed by Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI) and are assessed by OCR. This is a well-established partnership that provides a firm foundation for curriculum and qualification development.

The specifications;

  • Encourage students to develop a deep understanding of mathematics and an ability to use it in a variety of contexts.
  • Encourage students to use appropriate technology to deepen their mathematical understanding and extend the range of problems they can solve.
  • Use pre-release data in statistics to enable students to develop an understanding of working with real data to solve real problems.
  • Include mathematical comprehension in the assessment to prepare students to use mathematics in a variety of contexts in higher education and future employment.

OCR A Level in Mathematics B (MEI) builds from GCSE Level Mathematics and introduces calculus and its applications. It emphasises how mathematical ideas are interconnected and how mathematics can be applied to model situations using algebra and other representations, to help make sense of data, to understand the physical world and to solve problems in a variety of contexts, including social sciences and business. It prepares students for further study and employment in a wide range of disciplines involving the use of mathematics.

This is a two-year linear qualification with no optional content. The course can be split into three main areas: pure mathematics, mechanics and statistics.

Entry Requirements

Grade 7 in Mathematics.

Very good algebra skills are required to tackle A level Maths along with the ability to apply the skills in the correct context. You should able to simplify, solve and manipulate algebra and numbers with fluency. Of course, determination to solve problems is essential.

Topics Covered

Over the two year course, students will study the following:

Pure Mathematics

  • Surds and indices
  • Equations and inequalities
  • Polynomial functions and graphs
  • Coordinate geometry
  • Exponentials and logarithms ·
  • Trigonometry
  • Differentiation and integration
  • Binomial Expansions
  • Sequences and series
  • Functions
  • Vectors 
  • Parametric Equations 
  • Partial fractions 
  • Numerical methods
  • Proof

Mechanics

  • Kinematics
  • Forces and Newton’s laws of motion
  • Variable acceleration
  • Projectiles
  • Friction
  • Moments

Statistics

  • Data collection, presentation and interpretation
  • Probability
  • Bivariate data
  • Binomial Distribution
  • Normal distribution
  • Hypothesis testing

 

Methods of Assessment

Assessment takes place at the end of the course in the form of three two-hour examinations.

Enrichment Opportunities

• Maths Workshop twice a week
• Lower Sixth trip to ‘Maths in Action’ at Warwick University
• UKMT competitions
• Participation in the ‘Ritangle’ competition
• Support for MAT and TMUA admissions tests and interview practice

Meet the Staff

If you have a specific enquiry for the Mathematics Department, email maths@kes.hants.sch.uk 

Mr. G.A. Eyssens 
BEd

Head of Mathematics  

Mrs. C.S. Asiki
BA, MA

Second in Mathematics

Mrs. J.A. Thimbleby
BA

Second in Mathematics

Mr. S.E. Barley
BSc, MSc

Mathematics, Head of Watts

Ms. C.L. Dolan
BSc

Mathematics

Mrs. L.M. Matthews
BSc

Mathematics

Mr. R.P. Nichols
BA

Mathematics

Miss. E.S. Ridley 
BSc 

Mathematics

Mr. P.R. Robinson
BEng, MSc

Mathematics

Mr. I. Rosenburg
BEd

Mathematics, Head of Year - Upper School

Mr. M.P. Willis
BEd

Mathematics