Mathematics

Ms M J Pallister, BSc
J E Armitage, BSc
Mrs J L Guest, BEd 
Miss C E Rhodes, BSc
M C Rye, BA
Mrs H C Salvage, BSc MBA
C Thomas, BEd

Why Mathematics?
In addition to being one of the most basic and interesting disciplines in its own right, A-level Mathematics is helpful, and sometimes essential, to those studying the sciences.  It is also useful for those doing Economics and Geography.  Careers for which Mathematics is a desirable A-level are numerous, and include engineering, medicine, surveying, computing, accountancy, economics, business, banking, retail management, architecture, surveying and psychology to name but a few.

If you want to go on to study at University then A-level mathematics will open more doors than any other subject. This is probably the most marketable A-level in terms of acceptability. It is difficult to think of any course/career where it would not be welcomed in combination with other subjects. The skills A-level Maths allows you to develop include problem solving, logic and analysing situations. Add in the improvements to your basic numeracy skills and that bit of creativity needed to solve maths problems and you've got yourself a set of skills which would make you more desirable for almost any job!

The Course and Examination
The Edexcel course is a modular one.  Although certain Pure components are compulsory, there is also some flexibility between the Statistics, Mechanics and Decision Maths modules.

The system works on Credit Accumulation

  3 modules for ‘AS’ in Maths
  6 modules for A-level in Maths
  9 modules for A-level + ‘AS’ in Further Maths
 12 modules for A-level + Further Maths A-level
 15 modules for A-level + Further Maths A-level +
 AS Additional Further Maths

Departmental Strengths
We are very fortunate in the Maths Department to have qualified and highly experienced A-level specialists, who together can cover all Pure, Statistics, Mechanics and Decision Maths modules.  Yarm School was one of the first pilot schools using a modular scheme from 1991 and in doing so has acquired a wealth of experience. 
The Department attracts talented students and the stimulation resulting is an important factor in an extended record of successful exam results.

Further Mathematics
Students taking Further Mathematics overwhelmingly find it to be an enjoyable, rewarding, and empowering experience. For someone who enjoys mathematics, it provides a challenge and a chance to explore new and/or more sophisticated mathematical concepts. Even at AS level it enables students to distinguish themselves as able mathematicians in the university and employment market. Studying Further Mathematics is excellent preparation for University, especially if you wish to study any maths-related subject such as Engineering, Sciences, Computing or Technology as well as Mathematics itself. Whilst many courses do not specify Further Mathematics explicitly, students with Further Mathematics qualifications are strongly welcomed on any maths-related course and often receive preferential offers because of this. The following quotes highlight this point:
 

University of Bath
Economics: "Due to the applied nature of the programme preference will be given to students who are taking Further Mathematics; Physics; Chemistry; Geography; History; Biology or a Modern Language as a third subject."

University of Bristol
Computer Science: "A or A* grades in three relevant A level subjects (incl. Mathematics) and preferably one of the following: Further Mathematics, STEP or AEA Mathematics. "

University of Cambridge
Computer Science: Further Mathematics is preferred in most colleges.
Engineering: Further Mathematics is strongly preferred as a third A level in most colleges.

University of Chester
Mathematics:
More students studying more mathematics is good for the UK and for student employability.
The University of Chester rewards applicants offering a Further Mathematics qualification with double UCAS points for their Further Mathematics grade.”

Entry Qualifications
A good natural ability in Mathematics is essential before embarking on an A-level course.  A firm foundation of an A or A* grade obtained from Higher Level GCSE papers, has in the past proved to be a reliable indicator of success at A-level.

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