Head of Department: P Sanders Board: OCR
Mathematics is studied in the sixth form for many different reasons: some study it simply because they enjoy tackling problems of a numerical or logical nature whilst others study it because it provides an important means for describing Scientific, Economic or Geographic phenomena.
The course is modular and the department hopes to be able to offer a choice of four different programmes of study.
AS Mathematics 1 Year Modules C1, C2 and either M1 or S1
AS + A2 Mathematics 2 Years Modules C1, C2, C3, C4, plus M1 and M2 or M1 and D1 or S1 and S2 or S1 and D1
AS + A2 Mathematics and AS Further Mathematics 18 months or 2 years Modules C1, C2, C3, C4, FP1, M1, S1, D1 and either M2 or S2
AS + A2 Mathematics and AS + A2 Further Mathematics 2 Years Modules C1, C2, C3, C4, FP1, M1, S1, D1, M2, S2 and two from FP2, FP3, M3, D2
The Core Modules (C1, C2, C3, and C4) introduce the basic techniques or methods of advanced Mathematics. They extend the algebra and geometry that you have met at GCSE and introduce a new topic called Calculus which introduces efficient ways of calculating the gradient of curves and the area under curves.
The remaining three Pure Mathematics Modules (FP1, FP2, FP3, and FP4) build on the four core modules, introducing new number systems and developing greater rigour. They give a good idea of what the study of Pure Mathematics at University will involve.
The three Mechanics Modules (M1, M2, and M3) use Mathematical techniques to investigate the relationships between the forces acting on a body and the way that the body moves. There is considerable overlap with the concepts of Physics.
The two Statistics Modules (S1, S2) use Mathematical ideas to summarise large amounts of data and make valid inferences or deductions from information gathered from relatively small samples. The concepts of these modules are of great use in the study of Geography and Biological Sciences.
At Monmouth Further Mathematics is usually taken as an addition to the normal sixth form programme so in 6i we would expect you to study Mathematics, Further Mathematics and three other AS subjects. The extra periods to study Further Mathematics would be instead of following enrichment courses. Due to the heavy demands of following the Further Mathematics course, it is only open to pupils who have demonstrated considerable ability in the subject and a genuine enthusiasm for attempting, struggling and "playing around" with mathematical problems and ideas.
The Sixth Form Work Programme
Sixth Form Mathematics students are likely to have two teachers; Further Mathematicians are likely to have three teachers. Each teacher will set work on a weekly basis and students will usually be given two or three nights to do the assignment before it is to be presented. This is to enable them to attempt the work as soon as it is set and then, if necessary, to discuss any difficulties with other students or their teacher. This work represents the minimum requirement - some will require considerably more practice to master basic techniques whilst others should be attempting more challenging problems or making use of the departmental and school libraries to read around the subject.
Students should realise that the subject will require 4 - 5 hours work per week outside the classroom and that the study of Mathematics and Further Mathematics will require approximately 7 − 8 hours a week of work outside the classroom.
Requirements
An interest in Mathematical processes, the ability to cope with abstract ideas, the determination to practise techniques and a sense of achievement when worthwhile results are achieved are all fundamental to the successful student of Mathematics. In addition, without a certain amount of natural ability, you will find the subject difficult in the sixth form. If, at the moment, you find that success in the subject is only achieved with difficulty and that algebra is an immense mystery then you should think long and hard before committing yourself to the "A" level course. Although the department regards a grade B as the minimum requirement for "A" level Mathematics it should be pointed out the "A" level success rate of such candidates in the past has been low.