The Mathematics and Statistics A level can be split into two major components - AS and A2. Each lesson begins with a set of clearly stated objectives and an explanation of its place in the overall programme of study. The AS and A2 courses can be sat in their own right as an individual course, but you are required to have completed the AS level syllabus before starting on an A2 syllabus.
Effective learning is encouraged through frequent activities and self-assessment questions. The A2 Level has ten tutor-marked assignments (known as TMAs).
The Syllabus:
This course prepares candidates for the AQA Mathematics A2 level syllabus 6361 for examinations in June 2009 and later years. The full Advanced Level qualification comprises AS and A2. We have chosen this syllabus as it is the most suited for distance learning.
Please Note: It is possible to sit this full A Level in a one year period, but it is recommended that you do it over two years. The reason you can do this is because the AQA Mathematics specifications were only changed in 2004 and therefore these specifications will remain six module qualifications and are unlikely to change until 2011.
The course covers the syllabus in six modules of the following titles:
A2
-
Pure Maths Paper 4: Algebraic functions, coordinate geometry, etc (1 ½ Hours)
-
Pure Maths Paper 5: Vectors, further coordinate geometry, etc (1 ½ Hours)
-
Statistics Paper 2: Sampling, estimation, hypothesis testing, etc (1 ½ Hours)
Practical Skills/Coursework:
No Coursework with this syllabus.
Special Requirements:
We will only admit students for A Level who have a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade C and above. These would ideally include English and Maths. We also require that one of the GCSE's is B Grade Maths or higher.
Additional Reading:
Pure Core Maths 1 & 2 (Sam Boardman, Tony Clough, David Evans) – ISBN: 0435513303, Pure Core Maths 3 & 4 (Sam Boardman, Tony Clough, David Evans) – ISBN: 0435513311 and A Concise Course in 'A' Level Statistics (J. Crashaw and J. Chambers) – ISBN: 074875475X.
Technical Support:
Every student receives a personal tutor with whom they need to keep in regular contact. The essential relationship between student and tutor begins with an introductory letter and a telephone call to help decide on a study plan. All tutors are fully qualified teachers holding either a Postgraduate Certificate in Education or a degree in education. So when you enrol on a course you can be assured of the assistance of a professionally qualified subject specific tutor.
We don’t set a limit on how often you can contact your tutor. The advise and encouragement our tutors provide are an important part of your learning experience. You can contact your tutor by Phone, Post or Email. There are tutor-marked assignments (TMA’s) in every course. These help the student consolidate the learning he or she has done and prepare for examinations. All tutors have a local rate telephone number such as a 0845 number. This means that when you phone your tutor it will only cost you the price of a local call. Whilst you are still actively submitting assignments, you should expect to be in contact with your tutor regularly. Remember, to get the most out of your tutor, you will need to tell them when you need assistance.
Examinations:
There are currently over 300 testing centres across the country, so finding one close by is not very difficult. In December/January we contact you to start arranging your examination dates. We always try to give whatever help we can with examination information, but the entering of students for examinations and any dealings with the examination centre’s are entirely the responsibility of the student.
Studying from Abroad:
It is possible to study any of our courses from anywhere in the world. However some courses are easier to study from abroad than others and some restrictions to the type of tuition available apply. If you wish to study a GCSE or an 'A' level, then you will need to be able to return to the UK to take your examinations. Please remember that most of our GCSEs and 'A' levels have several examinations which may well be spread over several weeks.
