Mathematics - AS
About this course
The Mathematics AS programme is a one-year course of study and should be taken in conjunction with two or three other subjects and the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Based at our City Centre campus in Cardiff, learners may be able to take this qualification as a part-time student.
AS level Mathematics (new specification) is a good choice for pupils due to the flexibility that it offers:
- It supports other subjects such as all three sciences, Psychology, Information Technology and many others.
- It develops your ability to think logically and present formal arguments, which is essential in any career.
- It is a challenging qualification, welcomed by all universities, whichever degree course you apply to study.
- It is interesting, and involves more variety of study than you might expect!
All colleges/sixth forms in Wales will be delivering the exact same specification from September 2017.
What you will study
AS Unit 1: Pure Mathematics A
Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes (120 marks) - 25% of A-Level qualification
The paper will comprise a number of short and longer, both structured and unstructured questions, which may be set on any part of the subject content of the unit. A number of questions will assess learners' understanding of more than one topic from the subject content. A calculator will be allowed in this examination.
You will study a range of essential topics including algebra and functions, coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane, proof by deduction, exhaustion and disproof by counter example, Sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, integration, and vectors. These will all form the foundations necessary for anyone pursuing a career in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.
AS Unit 2: Applied Mathematics A
Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes (75 marks) - 15% of qualification
The paper will comprise of two sections:
Section A: Statistics (40 marks)
Section B: Mechanics (35 marks)
The total assessment time of 1 hour 45 minutes can be split between Section A and Section B as learners deem appropriate. A calculator will be allowed in this examination. Furthermore, it is recommended that students purchase a calculator that allows them to access cumulative probabilities for standard statistical distributions (e.g. Casio fx–991 ex).
In this module you will see how mathematics can be applied to a range of real-life problems relating to statistics, probability and mechanics. Topics covered will include statistical sampling, data presentation and interpretation, probability, statistical distributions, statistical hypothesis testing, modelling in mechanics, kinematics of a particle, forces and Newton’s laws, and vectors.
NOTE: There are no longer options modules in mathematics. From September 2017 all students will study the same modules in all centres. In addition to this, the new AS qualification will now account for 40% of the overall A-level qualification.
To access full details about the new specification please use the following link:
http://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/mathematics/r-mathematics-gce-2017/
Entry requirements
Individual Subject Entry Requirement Maths minimum: B[H]
Teaching and assessment
Two written exams
Important points
- The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
- Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
- Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
- Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
- Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
- All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
- Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
- Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
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Full Time
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“I met a lot of great people from various backgrounds and walks of life; I liked the diversity within the College. In my opinion the freedom that the College gave me towards my studies provided me with the tools I needed to be a more independent worker and have confidence to develop things on my own.”
Career prospects & further study
On completion of the A Level programme, the majority of our students progress onto universities across the country and beyond. Based on this course, there are many options but below are just a few examples of degree programmes you could go on to study at University:
- Actuarial Science
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Economics
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- Engineering (General)
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Statistics
Need to know
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