What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
You will be expected to have achieved at least a grade B preferably at Higher Tier GCSE. It is not an easy option. You should not enter it unless you are strong in algebraic manipulation and have good logic and reasoning skills.

What will I learn on this Advanced GCE course?
Mathematics at AS and Advanced GCE is a course worth studying not only as a supporting subject for the physical and social sciences, but in its own right. It is both challenging and interesting. It builds on work you will have met at GCSE, but also involves new ideas that some of the greatest minds of the millennium have produced. It serves as a very useful support for many other qualifications as well as being a sought-after qualification for the workplace and higher education courses.

While studying Mathematics you will be expected to:

• use mathematical skills and knowledge to solve problems
• construct proofs for important formulae and results
• model real-life situations using mathematics to show what is happening and what might happen in different circumstances
• analyse data using statistical techniques to obtain an overview
• use calculator technology and other resources (such as formulae booklets or statistical tables) effectively and appropriately; understand calculator limitations and when it is inappropriate to use such technology.

Mathematics at AS and Advanced GCE is divided into three branches:

Pure Mathematics
When studying Pure Mathematics at AS and Advanced GCE, you will be extending your knowledge of such topics as Algebra and Trigonometry as well as learning some brand new ideas such as Calculus. If you enjoyed the challenge of problem solving at GCSE using such mathematical techniques, then you should find the prospect of this course very appealing.

Although many of the ideas you will meet in Pure Mathematics are interesting in their own right, they also serve as an important foundation for other branches of Mathematics, especially Mechanics and Statistics.

Mechanics
When you study Mechanics, you will learn how to describe mathematically the motion of objects and how they respond to forces acting upon them, from cars in the street to satellites revolving around a planet. You will learn the technique of mathematical modelling; that is, of turning a complicated physical problem into a simpler one that can be analysed and solved using mathematical methods.

Many of the ideas you will meet in the course form an almost essential introduction to such important modern fields of study as cybernetics, robotics, biomechanics and sports science, as well as the more traditional areas of engineering and physics.

Statistics
When you study Statistics, you will learn how to analyse and summarise numerical data in order to arrive at conclusions about it. You will extend the range of probability problems that you started for GCSE by using the new mathematical techniques studied on the pure mathematics course.

What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification?
The Edexcel Examination Board offers various units; each designated as either Advanced Subsidiary or A2 units. The full Advanced GCE specification consists of 6 units, the Advanced Subsidiary specification of 3 units. The Further Mathematics AS consists of 9 units and the full Further Mathematics of 12 units. All units consist of just one written paper.

There is no coursework component.

What could I go on to do at the end of my course?

AS Mathematics
An AS in Mathematics is very valuable as a supporting subject to many courses at Advanced GCE and degree level, especially in the Sciences and Geography, Psychology, Sociology and medical courses.

Advanced GCE Mathematics
Advanced GCE Mathematics is a much sought-after qualification for entry to a wide variety of full-time courses in higher education. There are also many areas of employment that see a Mathematics Advanced GCE as an important qualification and it is often a requirement for the vocational qualifications related to these areas.

Higher Education courses or careers that either require Advanced GCE Mathematics or are strongly related include:

• Economics
• Medicine
• Architecture
• Engineering
• Accountancy
• Actuarial
• Banking
• Environmental Studies
• Computing
• Information and Communication Technology

If you wanted to continue your study of Mathematics after Advanced GCE, you could follow a course in Mathematics at degree level or even continue further as a postgraduate and get involved in Mathematical Research.