Course Overview
Please note: you will make your selection of three A Levels once you have progressed into the application process.
Maths underpins science, technology, medicine, economics and government and much, much more. Topics studied include algebra, calculus, trigonometry, logarithms, statistics and mechanics. It is a subject that is exciting, challenging but rewarding and really adds to your understanding of other subjects.
The first year covers pure maths topics which build upon your GCSE knowledge and provides the building blocks for all the other modules and branches of mathematics. You also study some of the applications of maths. In mechanics, you will look at topics such as kinematics, forces and Newton’s laws, while in statistics you learn about statistical distributions and hypothesis testing.
During your second year you continue studying pure maths topics which build upon the first year, covering higher level trigonometry and calculus. You will also continue to extend your understanding of the applications of maths within the fields of mechanics and statistics.
Topics may include:
- Polynomials and functions
- The binomial expansion
- Trigonometry including radians
- Differentiation and integration
- Exponentials and logarithms
- Vectors in 2 and 3 dimensions.
All students must have a graphical calculator. We recommend Casio models.
Assessment Methods
You will be assessed through written examinations, with regular internal assessment taking place as the course unfolds.
Your final A Level exam will consist of three exam papers covering the entire programme at the end of year two.
Progression Options
A Level maths is highly valued by employers in a wide range of industries as evidence of your ability to solve problems and learn new skills.
Many of our students go on to study courses with a high mathematical content at university, such as engineering, finance, mathematics and computing. Some students choose to apply for higher degree level apprenticeships.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
