Mathematics and Computer Science
Maths and Further Maths A Level
Course Summary
If you choose to study A-Level Mathematics you will develop concepts and ideas old and new. Topics from GCSE mathematics will be taken much further, even into the abstract. With the core element of mathematics, lesson time will be spent looking at mathematical theory and proof, as the subject is sequential you will constantly build on skills covered previously. Then there is the applied aspect, mechanics and statistics are applications of mathematics that are developed as you progress through the course.
Some of the areas covered include:
Core Maths: Algebra, coordinate geometry, sequences and series, calculus, trigonometry.
Mechanics: Kinematics, newton’s laws of motion, vectors, moments, forces
Statistics: Data presentation and interpretation, statistical distributions, statistical hypothesis testing and probability
Further Maths Core: Complex numbers, polar coordinates, differential equations, advanced algebra, Maclaurin and Taylor series
Student perspective
“Successfully solving a mathematical problem gives you a sense of satisfaction that is unparalled by any other subject. It is unique in that it is constantly engaging, enabling you to build on your mathematical ability, which you can then utilise later on in life and studies show those with a Maths A Level make more money. With the spectacular teaching this opportunity is too good to miss as they will closely guide you through the wonderful world of differential equations, logarithms and many more areas which you wouldn’t have thought you could attempt.”
Sophie Robinson – Year 13
Entrance Criteria
In addition to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s inc Maths and English at grade 5 or above
Plus a minimum of grade 7 in GCSE Maths.
Assessment Criteria
A-Level Maths
3 Exams all 2 hours
- Pure Mathematics 1
- Pure Mathematics 2
- Statistics and Mechanics
- Further Maths
4 exams each 1hr 30 mins.
- Further Maths 1
- Further Maths 2
- Plus two optional units
Exam Board
Edexcel
Contact details
Mrs Carole Taylor – ctr@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Teacher in charge of KS5 Mathematics
Computer Science A Level
Course Summary
Advances in computing have transformed many aspects of our lives; the A-level computer science course provides students with a broad insight into the structure of computers and how they can be developed to solve everyday problems. Students will gain a detailed understanding of computer programming by studying the Python programming language, this will provide them with the skills to develop computer applications to run on a wide range of platforms. Students will spend a considerable amount of time looking at computer and network architecture including how these have developed over the past decades. In addition to covering the technical elements of computer science students will develop their written and oral skills by writing about the impact that computers have on society and the moral issues associated with computing advancements such as Artificial Intelligence and government surveillance.
A Level Computer Science
- Fundamentals of programming
- Data structures
- Algorithms
- Theory of computation
- Data representation
- Computer systems
- Computer architecture
- Consequences of computer usage
- Communication and networking
- Databases
- Big data
- Functional programming
- Problem solving
Where might it lead
A-Level Computer Science provides the opportunity for learners to progress to Higher Education or directly to employment and higher-level apprenticeships. Computer Science leads to a wide range of career options including software programming, website development, computational simulation, Media & Film, Military, Artificial intelligence, robotic engineering, just to name a few. Computer science is one of the largest industries worldwide and is one of the fastest growing as computers make an ever-increasing impact upon our everyday lives.
Entrance Criteria
In addition to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s inc Maths and English at grade 5 or above
Plus a minimum of grade 6 in GCSE Computer Science.
Assessment
Exam Board AQA
PAPER 1 – 2 hr 30 mins on-screen examination based around programming
PAPER 2 – 2 hr 30 mins written paper on theoretical topics
PROJECT – Non-examined project looking at solving a single problem
Paper 1 & Paper 2 are each worth 40% with the project worth 20% of the A-level grade.
Contact info
Mr David Cole dce@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Teacher of ICT and Computing
KS5 Mathematics and Computing Curriculum Maps
Sixth Form
