KS5 Maths

For Maths, we will achieve this by ensuring: That all UTC Leeds students are confident problem solvers that can apply mathematical concepts to real-life situations, and demonstrate resilience in their approach.

Overview

All sixth formers at the UTC Leeds are required to take a post 16 mathematics qualification, which will be appropriate for their ability. There are three on offer:

• Core Maths
• A-Level Maths
• A-level Further Maths

Our Maths curriculum is broken down into ‘non-negotiables’ – the vital areas that a student needs to master in that subject. These non-negotiables underpin the learning throughout the duration of the study and our students understand that after developing competency in each strand, they will aim to develop mastery in each. The learning is coherently sequenced across the 4-year plan and mapped cross-curricular, and our sequence of learning plans specifies which non-negotiables are the learning foci and/or the knowledge that students will gain.

Core Maths

Exam board: AQA

Course Title: Level 3 Certificate in Mathematical Studies

The course is aimed at students who have achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE. It incorporates real-life situations like calculating tax and National Insurance along with modelling situations using maths. Graphs, charts, statistics, percentages and other higher GCSE topics are used throughout. There are two exams which include the following topics. The exams are taken in May and June of Year 12.

Examination 1)

Analysis of data

• Collecting and sampling data
• Representing data numerically
• Representing data diagrammatically

Maths for Personal Finance

• Numerical calculations
• Percentages
• Interest rates
• Repayments and the cost of credit
• Graphical representation
• Taxation
• Solution to financial problems

Estimation

• The modelling cycle
• Fermi estimation

Critical analysis of given data and models (including spreadsheets and tabular data)

• Presenting logical and reasoned arguments in context
• Communicating mathematical approaches and solutions
• Analysing critically

Examination 2)

• Graphical methods
• Graphs of functions
• Intersection points

Rates of change

• Gradient
• Average speed
• Speed and acceleration

Exponential functions

• The function ax
• The number e
• Exponential growth and decay

Useful Links

www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/aqa-certificate/mathematical-studies-1350

A-Level Mathematics

Students will need to have achieved a minimum of a grade 6 at GCSE to start the A-level course.

Exam board: Edexcel

Course Title: A-Level Mathematics

The course is taught over two years, with an option available to take an AS exam in May of Year 12.

Topics covered within the Pure element of the course include:

• Algebraic Expressions & Methods
• Co-ordinate Geometry
• Functions, Graphs & Transformations
• Sequences & Series
• Binomial Expansion
• Radians
• Trigonometric Ratios, Identities, Functions & Modelling
• Exponentials & Logarithms
• Parametric Equations
• Differentiation & Integration
• Numerical Methods
• Vectors

The third exam is Statistics and Mechanics based and includes questions from:

Section A: Statistics

• Topic 1 – Statistical sampling
• Topic 2 – Data presentation and interpretation
• Topic 3 – Probability
• Topic 4 – Statistical distributions
• Topic 5 – Statistical hypothesis testing

Section B: Mechanics

• Topic 6 – Quantities and units in mechanics
• Topic 7 – Kinematics
• Topic 8 – Forces and Newton’s laws
• Topic 9 – Moments

Useful Links

• https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/mathematics-2017.html
• https://www.drfrostmaths.com/
• https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/

A-Level Further Maths

Exam board: Edexcel

Course Title: A-Level Further Mathematics

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• understand mathematics and mathematical processes in ways that promote confidence, foster enjoyment and provide a strong foundation for progress to further study
• extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques
• understand coherence and progression in mathematics and how different areas of mathematics are connected
• apply mathematics in other fields of study and be aware of the relevance of mathematics to the world of work and to situations in society in general
• use their mathematical knowledge to make logical and reasoned decisions in solving problems both within pure mathematics and in a variety of contexts, and communicate the mathematical rationale for these decisions clearly

Students are taught the AS Further Maths alongside their study of the A Level Maths during Year 12.

There are two compulsory exams, Core Pure 1 and Core Pure 2.

Two further exams are chosen, depending upon the strengths of the group.

The compulsory modules include the following topics:

Proof, Complex numbers, Matrices, Further algebra and functions, Further calculus, Further vectors, Polar coordinates, Hyperbolic functions, Differential equations

Useful Links

• https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/mathematics-2017.html#tab-AlevelFurtherMathematics
• https://www.drfrostmaths.com/
• https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/