What is A Level Maths?: Overview for Students

There are a lot of options that you can take after your GCSEs, especially for maths. You can study A Level Maths, A Level Further Maths, Level 3 Core Maths as well as international qualifications such as the IB Diploma or International A Levels. 

In this article, I will explain what A Level Maths is, so that you can decide if it is the right option for you.

What is A Level Maths?: Quick summary

A Level Maths is a level 3 qualification typically studied by students aged 16–18 in the UK after completing their GCSEs. Part of the course builds on topics covered at GCSE such as algebra and probability. The course also introduces new topics such as calculus and hypothesis testing. The course is split into three sections: pure, mechanics and statistics. All sections are compulsory.

Why study Maths at A Level?

Whenever I ran open evenings at my sixth form college, prospective students always asked me why they should study A Level Maths. Here are some of my responses.

A Level Maths is highly valued by universities and employers, especially for courses and careers in science, engineering, economics, and computing. Throughout the course, you will develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and mathematical fluency. 

A Level Maths can help you with your other subjects, such as A Level Physics and A Level Economics. A Level Maths is not compulsory for these subjects, but it does help.

The most important reason to study maths at A Level is that it is fun! You study lots of fun topics such as mechanics. Yes, it can be challenging. However, if you enjoy Maths and are prepared to work hard, then you will succeed at A Level Maths.

What does A Level Maths cover?

The course is split into three sections: pure, statistics and mechanics. The table below shows the topics that are covered within each section.

Read more: A Level Maths Topics By Exam Board

How is A Level Maths assessed?

Regardless of which exam board your teacher uses, you will have to sit three papers for A Level Maths. Each paper is two hours long, and a graphical calculator is allowed on all the papers. The table below shows the differences between the main four specifications.

What are the different assessment objectives?

There are three key competencies that you will need to demonstrate in your exams. These are:

• AO1: Use and apply standard techniques

• AO2: Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically

• AO3: Solve problems in mathematics and other contexts

Approximately 50% of the total marks in the exams will focus on AO1. Around 25% will assess AO2, and the remaining marks will target AO3.

What Skills Will Students Learn?

Problem-solving

Problem-solving is at the core of A Level Maths. You will learn how to apply your knowledge to unfamiliar contexts.

Modelling real-life situations

There is a bigger emphasis on modelling at A Level Maths compared to GCSE Maths. You will learn how to use models and evaluate their appropriateness.

Proving results rigorously

So far in your Maths journey, you have learnt lots of important facts, such as the fact that there is an infinite number of prime numbers and that √2 is irrational. In A Level Maths, there is a big emphasis on proving results such as these.

Communicating ideas clearly

At A Level Maths, questions aren’t solely focused on asking you to find the correct answer. You will need to justify your answers and give clear mathematical arguments.

Working with large data sets

Part of the A Level Maths course involves you studying a large data set. You will learn how to deal with statistical queries such as cleaning data and taking a sample.

A Level Maths exam boards

All the content for A Level Maths is prescribed by the Department of Education, however, there are some small differences between the main exam boards.

Edexcel

• The large data set is about weather in different locations at different times.

• Two of the three papers focus solely on pure topics.

• The applied paper is split into two halves: one for statistics and one for mechanics.

• You are given a separate formula booklet.

AQA

• The large data set is about vehicles and emissions.

• All three papers involve some pure questions.

• Paper 2 and Paper 3 are split into two sections: one for pure and one for applied.

• You are given a separate formula booklet.

OCR A

• The large data set is about modes of transport to work and age distributions.

• All three papers involve some pure questions.

• Paper 2 and Paper 3 are split into two sections: one for pure and one for applied.

• There is a formula sheet given at the front of each question paper.

• You are given separate answer booklets to answer the questions.

OCR B (MEI)

• The large data set is about modes of transport to work and age distributions.

• All three papers involve some pure questions.

• The pure and applied questions are mixed up within Paper 1 and Paper 2.

• Paper 3 contains a comprehension section where you have to read a chunk of maths and answer questions based on it.

• There is a formula sheet given at the front of each question paper.

• You are given separate answer booklets to answer the questions.

What is the difference between Maths and Further Maths at A Level?

A Level Further Maths is an extension of A Level Maths. You cannot take it without taking A Level Maths. There are multiple options that you can study at A Level Further Maths, such as further pure topics and decision maths. This is unlike A Level Maths, where the content is 100% prescribed by the Department for Education.

A Level Further Maths is more challenging than A Level Maths. It is very helpful for maths and engineering degrees. Most students who take A Level Further Maths study it as a fourth option so that they can still learn a spread of subjects.

Top tips for success

Practise regularly

After each lesson, practise the skills that you have learnt. Even if you understand the skill in the classroom, you should still practise it independently to help keep it in your memory.

Study together

Study with some of your peers. Explaining mathematical topics to others can really help deepen your understanding. A study group can also help when you get stuck on a question or a skill.

Attempt past paper questions

It is never too early to start preparing for your exams. Once you have practised the basics, you should look at a few relevant past paper questions to familiarise yourself with the style.

Read our article How to Revise for Maths A Level to get even more tips.

Frequently asked questions about A Level Maths

Is A Level Maths hard?

A Level Maths has a reputation of being one of the hardest subjects. However, with good study habits, you will find that the topics get easier. Read our teacher’s perspective on this question to learn more.

Is A Level Maths easy to pass?

If you study and learn the basics, then it can be easy to pass. Normally, you need to get around 20% of the marks to pass. Check out the grade boundaries for previous years.

What careers can A Level Maths lead to?

A Level Maths can lead to a wide range of careers, such as engineering, data science and finance. A Level Maths is also a popular choice for students who go on to study medicine or dentistry at university.

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References

Mathematics AS and A level content, Department for Education