Mathematics: IGCSE, IB & A Level
We teach Maths at all academic levels up to Oxbridge entrance, with pupils carefully set according to their mathematic ability.
We believe that an appreciation of Mathematics is intrinsically important in its own right as well as in terms of its application.
Maths also has a central role to play in relation to all other subjects. Our eleven full-time teachers teach Maths at all academic levels up to Oxbridge entrance.
Course Specifications
GCSE: Mathematics
Although the IGCSE course is a 2-year course, all maths content in first year and beyond is teaching the skills necessary for those final exams. The foundation year covers modules in Algebra, Number, Shape and Space and Data handling, with the aim that the Foundation Tier work is fully covered by the end of the year.
In Year 10, the top set is accelerated to allow time to cover the Further Maths course in Year 11. The top few are given one lesson a week of problem solving, Olympiad extension questions, and the lowest set revisit the foundational work aiming to take the Foundation exam in their GCSE year. The top students in all three-year groups enter the Intermediate Maths Challenge.
In the Year 11, the top class compete in the Senior Maths Challenge along with Sixth Form pupils, and depending on the year group approximately 40 students will sit the AQA Further Maths exam. With many of our pupils undertaking the IB in Sixth Form, GCSE is not seen as the end of a maths journey, but a stepping stone. Therefore, pupils will be exposed to relevant content beyond the syllabus and many purchase a graphics calculator (Casio CG100) to prepare for the next step.
Specification details
Maths IGCSE – EdExcel IGCSE Mathematics A (9-1)
Further Maths IGCSE – AQA L2 Certificate in Further Mathematics (8365)
International Baccalaureate: Mathematics
Standard/Higher Level
Aims
Pupils at Malvern College will study either:
- Maths: Analysis and Approaches
- Maths: Applications and Interpretations
Analysis and Approaches is focused on algebraic methods, trigonometry and calculus. It is very much a continuation of a current maths course, but with a non-calculator element.
- At Higher Level pupils need to very confident with algebraic processes. This could be evidenced by a 9 at (I)GCSE or a good grade in a Further Maths GCSE.
- At Standard Level pupils need to be confident with algebraic processes and the ability to work without a calculator. This could be evidenced by a 7/8 at (I)GCSE. Pupils with lower grades will find the course challenging.
Applications and Interpretations is focused on mathematics in real-life problems and contexts. There is a greater emphasis on statistical methods and probability, and solving problems using technology.
- At Higher Level, pupils need to be confident mathematicians and quick learners, evidenced by 8/9 at (I)GCSE
- At Standard Level, the course is designed to be accessible to all.
Course Content
The table below gives a comparison of the subjects studied.
In both cases the Standard Level content is a subset of the Higher Level content
Assessment Details
Analysis and Approaches
The Syllabus
Applications and Interpretations
The Syllabus
Further Information
A Graphics calculator is essential for both of these courses. We recommend the Casio CG100 as this will be modelled in lessons.
A level Mathematics
Aims
It is intended that the A level Mathematics course should encourage pupils to:
- Develop their understanding of Mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment;
- Develop abilities to reason logically, to generalise and to construct mathematical proofs;
- Extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques and use them in more difficult, unstructured problems;
- Develop an understanding of coherence and progression in Mathematics and of how different areas of Mathematics can be connected;
- Recognise how a situation may be represented mathematically and understand the relationship between ‘real world’ problems and possible mathematical models;
- Use Mathematics as an effective means of communication;
- Read and comprehend mathematical arguments and articles concerning applications of Mathematics;
- Use technology such as calculators and computers when appropriate, recognise when such use may be inappropriate and be aware of limitations;
- Develop an awareness of the relevance of Mathematics to other fields of study, to the world of work and to society in general;
- Take increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their own mathematical development.
Course Content
An A level Mathematics pupil is expected to engage with prior learning during the summer holiday prior to Sixth Form starting. This content covers approximately half of the Maths AS Pure maths course, which is bedding in ideas from IGCSE and developing them into slightly more challenging contexts. Students are assigned tasks on the Dr Frost maths platform to complete.
The Course is taught by 2 teachers delivering 3 lessons per week, each and is broken down as follows:
Testing is done at half term and end of terms, tracking pupils according to their target grades.
The Syllabus
Examination board: Edexcel A Level Mathematics
Over two years, the course is divided up by time approximately shown below.
Assessment Details
The course is examined by three 2-hour-long papers, each worth 100 marks.
Paper 1: Pure Maths
Paper 2: Pure Maths
Paper 3: Application (Statistics and Mechanics sections)
Further Information
A grade 8 or 9 is recommended at IGCSE to stand a reasonable chance of obtaining a high grade in A level. If attempting with a grade 7, there is a likely chance that a low grade will be gained.
Pupils are advised to have a graphics calculator to make the most of this course. Lessons will be delivered with the Casio CG100 as the demonstration calculator.
A level Further Mathematics
Aims
The aim is to challenge the most able mathematicians and provide stretch for those who have achieved the highest grade in AQA Further Maths (or equivalent), and would find Maths A Level on its own too straightforward.
It is a course that explores areas of maths beyond the normal syllabus and is therefore an excellent foundation for anyone contemplating a mathematics degree at university.
Course Content
There are two courses provided, at AS level and at A level with both having an obligatory component and a choice of two modules from eight to complete the course.
The table below shows how the teaching might work for the 2 years and both courses.
It is possible for pupils to start the Further Mathematics A Level course and in Year 2 drop to Further Mathematics AS course. They then have the advantage of doing the more challenging work from the A level course again.
The Syllabus
Assessment Details
Further Maths AS level is assessed by 1 compulsory core paper (1 hr 40 mins) and 2 option papers (which are approximately half of the Further Mathematics module) both of which are 50 mins long.
Further Maths A Level is assessed by 4 paper (2 compulsory Core maths and 2 option papers) of 1 hr 30 mins each.
Further Information
For those attempting Further Mathematics AS course, we would recommend a 9 in IGCSE (or equivalent) and a decent pass in a further maths qualification (OCR Additional Maths / AQA L2 Further Maths / Edexcel Further Maths)
For those attempting the full Further Maths course, we would insist on a 9 at IGCSE and an 8 or 9 at a further maths qualification.
