Mathematics

OCR (MEI)

In the Paston Mathematics course you will study Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Decision Mathematics. You can study Mathematics as a ‘single subject’ or with Further Mathematics as ‘Double Maths’. Mathematics is about problem solving and it is used in a wide range of activities: in weather forecasting and financial planning, to calculate the stopping distance of a car (mechanics) or to model trends e.g. how many people will contract a disease (statistics).

Pure Mathematics is the foundation of the course. You will build on your GCSE Mathematics, learning how to manipulate and apply formulae to practical real-life situations. You will be taught by highly qualified and experienced teachers who will show you how to approach problems and explain the best methods to use and why.

We work with you as an individual, to help you to develop your own methods of problem solving, using resources such as software, web based resources, puzzles and printed materials. You can combine Mathematics with many AS/A-level subjects. It is required for certain science subjects – a great help with others – and for many university courses in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET).

AS Mathematics

Pure Mathematics

This is the core of the subject:
• Quadratic equations.
• Linking graphs and algebra.
• Negative and fraction indices.
• How to multiply out expressions.
• Sequences of numbers and how to calculate their totals.
• How to find the gradient and the area under a curve using calculus.
• Trigonometry (sine, cosine, tangents) and logarithms.

Mechanics

• Forces. What force makes a bike move? Do you feel all forces?
• Finding the distance and speed of a body that is accelerating.
• Calculating a car’s braking distance.
• The study of how a body flies through the air (once you let go)!
• Newton’s laws of motion.

Decision Mathematics

• Simulating and solving practical problems. Is it better to have one queue for each till in a supermarket, or one queue for all the tills?
• Sequencing – planning the tasks needed to complete a project e.g. at what time should you chop the onions for Christmas dinner to make sure that it is all ready at the same time?
• How do route finders work? Finding the shortest distance from one place to another.
• How to maximise your profits in a business.

Assessment

Three 11⁄2 hour examinations.

Entry requirements

A minimum of BBCCC at GCSE including English/English Language, and either an A*/A in GCSE Mathematics or a B at GCSE with a D or higher in Advanced FSMQ in Additional Mathematics.

A2 Mathematics

In A2 Mathematics you will build on and develop the work you studied in AS.

Pure Mathematics

• The ‘special number’ e which like Pi has special properties and powers.
• Advanced calculus.
• Trial and Improvement (Coursework).
• Advanced trigonometry.
• Use of vectors to work in 3 dimensions.

Statistics

• Correlation – is it true that tall people have big feet?
• Distributions – how many people could you expect to be over 2m tall?

Decision Mathematics

Using computers to solve practical problems e.g. where to put health centres in a rural area of Africa so that no-one is more than 5 hours walk away.

Mathematics

• Work, power and energy. How high will a snowboarder fly off the lip of the pipe?
• Collisions. In snooker, where do you need to hit the black to pot it?

Assessment

Three examinations, coursework and a comprehension examination.