Richmond upon Thames College

Mathematics AS / A Level

Our A Level Maths course develops techniques studied at GCSE to enable you to solve mathematical problems and to deepen your interest in the subject. Knowledge of advanced mathematics is essential in a wide range of careers from the sciences to computing, business and economics.

Exam Board: Edexcel

STARTS IN SEPTEMBER

All students (16-18 year olds and 19+) on level 3 vocational and academic programmes will study two qualifications over the duration of their two-year course.

An example of this is BTEC students will study for a 90 credit qualification in the 1st year. Upon successful completion, they will be able to progress to the 2nd year and study a diploma/extended diploma qualification.

A level students will study AS Level in their first year and upon successful achievement will progress through to the full A Level in their second year.

UK and EU students aged 19 or over on 31st August directly preceding their academic year will normally be required to pay tuition fees for that year of study. Advanced Learner Loans may be available for students studying at Level 3.

Course fees (for learners aged 19+) may be charged as follows:

A Level programme (2 year course)
1 x A Level = £850 per annum
2 x A Levels = £1,700 per annum
3 x A Levels = £2,550 per annum

Plus registration/exam fees = £120 per A Level

Vocational programme (eg BTEC / CACHE / UAL)
90 credit qualification (year 1) = £2,550
Diploma/extended diploma qualification (year 2) = £2,550

Students who are 19+ years old with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) issued by the Local Authority are not required to pay course fees (ie tuition fees are free). Students will be required to provide a final copy of their EHCP provided by the LA as evidence.

Enquire (16-18) Apply (16-18) Enquire (19+) Apply (19+)

What will I study and learn?

In this course you will study topics in pure mathematics, statistics and mechanics. Pure mathematics extends your knowledge of algebra, geometry and trigonometry and develops the ideas of calculus. Statistics includes data analysis, probability and the study of distributions. Mechanics involves the modelling of physical systems using mathematics.

The course will help you develop your problem solving skills and your ability to reason and communicate mathematically, and is taught mainly through class work where you work individually or as a member of a small group; you are also expected to complete work outside class.

How is the course assessed?

At the end of Year 1 you will sit two papers. Paper 1 examines the pure component of the course and Paper 2 is equally split equally between statistics and mechanics.

At the end of Year 2 you will sit three papers. Papers 1 and 2 cover more advanced pure topics and Paper 3 covers further ideas in statistics and mechanics. Your final grade is determined only by your performance in the year 2 exams. There is no coursework in either year.

What courses would combine well with this course?

You can combine the study of this course with that of the sciences but it can be equally successfully combined with many other subjects including those from the arts and humanities.

What skills will I need for the course?

Firstly, you should enjoy and have an interest in maths. You should want to know why a particular result in maths is true rather than just accepting it. You should be comfortable with dealing with abstract ideas and enjoy problem solving. You will need to be able to work independently.

What formal entry requirements will I need?

You will need an average GCSE points score of 5.75 including GCSE Maths at grade 6 and English at grade 5.

Points calculation

The average points score for entry to an A Level programme will be calculated using your 8 best GCSEs OR 6 GCSEs plus 1 technical qualification (equivalent to a maximum of 2 GCSEs and 10 points).

From 2017 English Language, English Literature and Mathematics GCSE will be graded numerically (1 – 9. Grade 5 = a good grade C, grade 6 = grade B and grade 7 = grade A).

To work out your average and find out more information, please see our Entry Requirements page.

What could the course lead to in higher education or careers?

Mathematics is extremely beneficial for wide range of students, from those intending to study the subject at university to those needing particular techniques to support other subjects and careers. The course is essential for many degree level courses in physical sciences, chemistry, engineering and computer science. The course also provides a sound mathematical basis for many other subject areas such as biology, geography, geology and economics. There is a wide range of career opportunities for people with qualifications in maths.

Knowledge of advanced mathematics is essential for a wide range of careers including the sciences, economics, business and computing

Are there any costs involved?

Essential textbooks cost approximately £30 per year. You will need a suitable calculator (we recommend the Casio fx991ESPlus). You are also encouraged to buy booklets of past papers which cost approximately £3 per year (all prices are for 2017).

Enquire (16-18) Apply (16-18) Enquire (19+) Apply (19+)