Mathematics

Maths

Calculators

The A-level course (and exam) assumes that you have access to more advanced calculators than we have needed at GCSE. In September we will give you the opportunity to buy the recommended calculators at a reduced price (only available to schools). (Therefore you do not need to buy your calculator before term starts)
If you know any of the Year 13 leavers, you may wish to ask if they would like to sell their calculator to you!
The recommended calculators together with the 2019 school prices that we were able to obtain are shown below:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED	ALTERNATIVE MODELS
Scientific Casio fx-991EX £18.25	Graphical (slightly older/reduced functionality/B&W display) Casio fx-9750GII
Graphical – colour display Casio fx-CG50 £71.00	Casio fx-9860GII

You need to be aware of the following things for September onwards!

Ways of working

Generally your teacher will introduce you to a topic and give you an example or two, demonstrating the method and workings – you are probably advised to make a copy of this!
You may then get a chance to practise in lessons, but will also need to complete further practice from the exercises in your own time. (Reckon on at least an hour outside lessons for each hour in class – but see the note below about the importance of each module.)
You must bring your textbook and calculators to every lesson.
You will need a graphical calculator and are also advised to upgrade from your GCSE calculator. We will give you advice and an opportunity to purchase these through the college in September.

All topics are important

You will normally have 3 lessons with one teacher, covering mostly Pure Mathematics topics and 1 lesson with another teacher working on Statistics and Mechanics. However, your A-level exam will contain questions from all areas and the applied topics will make up one-third of your overall grade. You must therefore make sure that you keep up with the work set by all teachers and you are likely to need to spend extra time on your applied subjects outside lessons.

Written work

The answers are in the back of the textbook. You are expected to regularly check your own work and physically mark it to show that you have done so. This way, if necessary, you can quickly identify when you are going wrong and correct your work or get help.
NB: Thorough and clear workings really are essential and you will not get full marks in the exams without them – in some cases you won’t get any marks if you don’t show certain stages!
Your teachers will set regular topic reviews and assessments so that you can receive feedback on your workings and identify areas which need even more work.

Other suggestions:

Keep notes pages and practice work separate.
Use a highlighter, colours or boxes to make important formulae and information stand out.
Keep a smaller folder for carrying current work.
Make your own formulae/methods notebook for quick reference during revision.

Good luck and welcome to A-level maths!