The Curriculum: Forms VI.1 and VI.2
Mathematics is a very popular choice for Sixth Form study at Monmouth 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 successful Sixth Form student of Mathematics will show a genuine interest in mathematical processes. He will have the ability to cope with abstract ideas and the determination necessary to practise techniques and master concepts. He will gain a real sense of achievement when worthwhile results to difficult problems are achieved.
The department prepares students for the AS and A2 examinations of the OCR Mathematics specifications (OCR codes 3890, 3892, 7890, 7892). Full details of the specifications can be found on the board website.
It is possible for Sixth Form students to study Mathematics to four different levels:
- AS Mathematics
- A2 Mathematics
- A2 Mathematics and AS Further Mathematics
- A2 Mathematics and A2 Further Mathematics
In most years, between 40 and 50 students study Mathematics in VI.1. About 15% of these finish at AS level; about 55% will continue their studies through to A2 and about 30% will also opt to study Further Mathematics to AS or A2 level.
Students working towards either AS Mathematics or A2 Mathematics will have eight periods a week of Mathematics and will be taught by two members of the department. Students working towards Further Mathematics as well as A2 Mathematics will have twelve periods a week and will be taught by either two or three teachers.
The AS Mathematics course is usually studied in VI.1. Students work on two Pure Mathematics modules (C1 and C2) and either a Mechanics (M1) or a Statistics (S1) module.
A2 Mathematics requires students to study two more Pure Mathematics modules (C3 and C4) together with another Applied Mathematics module. Students who have studied M1 will usually choose either the second Mechanics module (M2) or the Discrete Mathematics module (D1); those who have studied S1 will usually choose the second Statistics module (S2) or the Discrete Mathematics module (D1).
AS Further Mathematics requires three more modules in addition to the six required for A2 Mathematics, so nine altogether. One of these must be Further Pure Mathematics 1 (FP1) and the other two will be Applied Mathematics modules, which means that AS Further Mathematicians will usually study a total of four modules chosen from M1, M2, S1, S2 and D1.
A2 Further Mathematics requires another three modules, so twelve altogether. These are usually two more Further Pure modules (FP2 and FP3) and one additional Applied Mathematics module.
As part of the programme of co-operation between the Sixth Forms at Monmouth School and Haberdashers Monmouth School for Girls, it is possible for students to study Statistics as a stand alone subject to AS or A2 level at HMSG.