Why Study Mathematics?

The main reason to study Mathematics is that it is interesting, challenging and enjoyable. There is joy to be had in solving a difficult problem or seeing underlying patterns and connections.

There are also practical reasons to study Mathematics. A Level Mathematics is a very desirable qualification and one of the STEM subjects. It complements many other subjects and prepares you for further study and employment in a wide range of disciplines.

While studying Mathematics you will build upon skills you have learned at school and will apply your new knowledge to problem solving and analytical thinking. If you have enjoyed your GCSE Mathematics, especially algebra, trigonometry and problem-solving, then you should consider Mathematics at A Level.

Why Study Mathematics at Worcester Sixth Form College?

At Worcester Sixth Form College, students are taught by a team of well-qualified and highly experienced A Level specialists. We share ideas and work together to develop teaching styles, methods and strategies that benefit our students. Many of the department staff are also examiners for Edexcel, providing us with a deeper insight into the best way to answer the A Level exam questions.

Students also have the opportunity to join the Maths Academy, which provides extension activities for A Level Mathematics students. In the weekly sessions, students explore topics and ideas not covered by Mathematics or Further Mathematics A Levels. These include Group Theory, the concept of infinity and multiple infinities, and using probability to create simulations.

The Maths Academy provides an opportunity to participate in the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge, and our students often progress to further stages such as the Kangaroo Challenge and the Maths Olympiad.

Anyone wishing to pursue a higher education course in Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science or similar would benefit from attending the Maths Academy. Students considering a degree in Mathematics at a competitive university, should consider studying Further Mathematics.

Jacob

Jacob Rowberry

Maths - Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College
I chose to do maths as I believe that the skills you learn while doing maths are transferable into any field of work. It was also important that I chose maths as the other subjects that I wanted to choose are built upon maths and become way easier if you understand maths. I enjoy maths as there is no better feeling than solving a problem that seemed impossible to solve at first. It has also helped me to think in a way that enables me to break down problems in order to make them more manageable. In the future I will be pursuing a degree in the Computer Science field.

Progression Opportunities

A Level Mathematics provides a basis for subsequent quantitative work in a wide range of higher education courses and in employment. In recent years Worcester Sixth Form College Mathematics students have gone on to study a variety of subjects at university including:

  • Mathematics at Cambridge, Durham, Oxford and Warwick amongst others
  • Engineering at Imperial, Manchester, Aston and Cardiff
  • Physics at Warwick, Leicester and Bristol
  • Biochemistry at Cardiff and Aston
  • Chemistry at Cardiff and Birmingham
  • Geology at Cardiff, Exeter and Derby
  • Computer Science at Liverpool, Cardiff and Birmingham

Some students have also chosen to enter the world of work, pursuing apprenticeships at companies such as Worcester Bosch and Mainstay Group.

maths dest

Course Specifics / Entry Requirements

Qualification Name Maths GCSE Req. English GCSE Req. Other Req. Desirable Qualifications Skills & Attributes Required for Success Guidance on Costs or Commitments
Mathematics7Minimum of scientific calculator with statistical distribution function required: approx. £25. Ideally a graphical calculator with statistical distribution function required: approx. £80.

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