Why study Maths?
Mathematics is a highly enjoyable and challenging subject. It is intellectually demanding, logical and rigorous, and will develop your ability to problem-solve. Through studying Mathematics in the Sixth Form, you will expand your range of mathematical techniques, learn why methods work, prove results, and forge links between concepts. The applied side of the course is an opportunity to understand how Mathematics is used in real-world situations.
What will I study? How will I be assessed?
The courses taught at Queen's are A-level Mathematics and A-level Further Mathematics.
A-level Mathematics consists of Pure Mathematics, which looks at algebraic methods, calculus, geometry, and trigonometry – the foundations of the subject, Statistics which focuses on analysing data and probability, and Mechanics which models physical systems.
Students who study Further Mathematics will explore more Pure Mathematics topics such as complex numbers, hyperbolic functions, and matrices. In addition, they will take two optional modules from a choice of Further Pure Mathematics, Further Statistics, Further Mechanics, or Decision Mathematics which is the study of algorithms.
Both A-levels are assessed purely through examinations; two Pure Mathematics examinations and one Applied paper (A-level), or two Pure Mathematics examinations and two options papers (Further Mathematics A-level).
What skills will I gain? Where can Mathematics lead?
As well as the careers that directly use the mathematics taught at A-level (these include the fields of Large Data, Science, Computing, and Economics), the skills gained through studying Mathematics are highly transferable and well regarded. Many jobs involve some form of data analysis and an ability to calculate and interpret statistics confidently and accurately is vital. In addition, numerical fluency, logical thinking, and systematic approaches to problems can be used in almost any field.