Mathematics
Our goal is for students to love mathematics. Our philosophy is to engage, motivate, and inspire V6 students. We aim to create life-long mathematics learners who have the confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking to solve the numerical challenges they will face across the curriculum and later life.
Here at V6, we are passionate about every student having the opportunity to grow in their mathematical ability throughout sixth form. As such, we offer three different pathways for students to pursue.
To find out which route could be right for you, explore the links below.
Mathematics A-Level
Nationally, A-Level Mathematics is the most popular choice by a large margin, and opens doorways to a huge number of degree and employment options. Employment in STEM occupations has grown over 80% in the last 30 years, and most Universities require A-Level Mathematics as a prerequisite to STEM related options. Entry requirements are GCSE Mathematics Grade 7+
Results 2017 | 63% A*-B |
Results 2018 | 31% A*/A 63% A*-B |
Results 2019 | 53% A*/A |
Results 2022 | 37% A*-A |
Results 2023 | 48% A*/A |
Results 2024 | A*/A 35% A*- C 52% A* - E 91% |
Course Leader | Amelia Salt |
Examination Board | Edexcel |
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS | Grade 7+ Mathematics GCSE |
Assessment | Written examination |
What will you study?
A Level Mathematics is an interesting and challenging course which both extends the methods you learned at GCSE, and introduces you to new areas of Mathematics. Two thirds of the course covers Pure mathematics, such as calculus and trigonometry, whilst the other third is applied; Statistics and Mechanics. The course will broaden your mathematical skills and promote deeper analytical and logical thinking.
“Studying A-Level Mathematics is a prerequisite to many STEM related University courses and career options, and hugely beneficial for growing mathematical fluency. Employers value Mathematics more than most subjects as students develop outstanding analytical and logical thinking skills, and STEM occupations are forecast to grow 76% faster than non STEM job growth nationwide”
Future Pathways
Mathematics underpins areas of academic study and business which are seen as central to the country’s economic future. Mathematical skills are vital to students of the physical sciences and engineering, and increasingly important in social and medical sciences. Skilled, well-paid jobs often demand high-level Mathematics skills. We cater for the most able students who want to study Mathematics at University.
Extra Curricular Opportunities
Maths Olympiad
Mentoring younger students
Senior Maths Challenge/Team Maths Challenge
Required Course Materials
Calculator – Casio Classwiz fx-991ex (This is an essential upgrade from the GCSE calculator)
Pearson EdExcel AS and A Level Mathematics Textbooks
Pure Year 1 and Year 2
Statistics and Mechanics Year 1 and Year 2
Suggested Reading
Alex’s Adventures in Numberland – Alex Bellos
“Mathematical ideas underpin just about everything in our lives: from the surprising geometry of the 50p piece to how probability can help you win in any casino. In search of weird and wonderful mathematical phenomena, Alex Bellos travels across the globe and meets the world's fastest mental calculators in Germany and a startlingly numerate chimpanzee in Japan.”
17 Equations that Changed the World – Ian Stewart and John Davey
“From Newton's Law of Gravity to the Black-Scholes model used by bankers to predict the markets, equations, are everywhere -- and they are fundamental to everyday life. Seventeen Equations that Changed the World examines seventeen ground-breaking equations that have altered the course of human history. He explores how Pythagoras's Theorem led to GPS and Satnav; how logarithms are applied in architecture; why imaginary numbers were important in the development of the digital camera, and what is really going on with Schrödinger's cat.”
Humble Pi – Matt Parker
“What makes a bridge wobble when it's not meant to? Billions of dollars mysteriously vanish into thin air? A building rock when its resonant frequency matches a gym class leaping to Snap's 1990 hit I've Got The Power? The answer is maths. Or, to be precise, what happens when maths goes wrong in the real world.”
Why Study Mathematics? – Vicky Neale
“This book, aimed at students, parents and teachers, explains in practical terms the range and scope of mathematics at university level and where it can lead in terms of careers or further study. It will enthuse the reader about the subject and answer the crucial questions that a college prospectus does not.”
Maths on the Back of an Envelope – Rob Eastaway
“How many cats are there in the world? What's the chance of winning the lottery twice? And just how long does it take to count to a million? This book is an insight into the world of Fermi estimation, using simple mathematical modelling to estimate… anything!” Rob Eastaway has written a number of other excellent books as well!
SUBJECT SPECIFIC PRESENTATIONS AND HOLIDAY TASKS
Please click the below link to take you to a page listing subject presentations and summer holiday tasks for Year 11 students entering V6 Sixth Form in September.
Further Mathematics A-Level
A Level Further Mathematics is widely regarded as one of the strongest A-Level qualifications and is of great benefit to STEM based University degrees. It is studied alongside A-Level Mathematics, and is designed to engage and challenge the strongest students in the country.
Results 2017 | 100% A*-B |
Results 2018 | 67% A*-B 100% A*-C |
Results 2019 | 100% A*-B |
Results 2022 | 75% A* - B, 88% A* - C and 100% A* - E |
Results 2023 | 75% A* - B and 100% A* - C |
Results 2024 | 67% A*-A 100% A*-B |
Course Leader | Amelia Salt |
Examination Board | Edexcel Paper 1 and 2: Pure Mathematics Paper 3: Further Statistics 1 Paper 4: Decision Mathematics 1 Each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks and makes up 25% of the qualification |
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS | Grade 8+ Mathematics GCSE |
Assessment | Written examination |
What will you study?
A Level Further Mathematics is a fascinating and challenging course which is studied alongside A Level Mathematics. The course consists 50% of pure modules, and 25% each of Further Statistics and Decision Mathematics. Whilst some material builds further upon A-Level content, many of the topics are completely new, such as complex numbers, matrices and differential equations. Many STEM related courses highly recommend studying Further Mathematics. Some students choose to do Further Mathematics as a fourth option with the intention of doing the AS Level after Year 12, though the subject is so engaging many continue to do the full A-Level!
A Level Further Mathematics is widely regarded as one of the strongest A-Level qualifications and is of great benefit to STEM based University degrees. It is estimated that 3.5 million STEM jobs will be need to be filled by 2025, and the average STEM wage is over double the national average
Future Pathways
Mathematical skills are vital to students of the physical sciences and engineering, and increasingly important in social and medical sciences. Skilled, well-paid jobs (especially in the financial services and ICT sectors) often demand high-level Mathematics skills.
Extra Curricular Opportunities
Maths Olympiad
Senior Maths Challenge
Team Maths Challenge
Required Course Materials
Calculator – Casio Classwiz fx-991ex (essential minimum) OR Casio FX-CG50 (better, but expensive) (This is an essential upgrade from the GCSE calculator)
Pearson EdExcel AS and A Level Further Mathematics Textbooks
Core Pure Book 1 and Book 2
Further Statistics 1
Decision Mathematics 1
SUBJECT SPECIFIC PRESENTATIONS AND HOLIDAY TASKS
Please click the below link to take you to a page listing subject presentations and summer holiday tasks for Year 11 students entering V6 Sixth Form in September.
Level 3 Core Mathematics
Equivalent to an AS-Level, this is a one-year program intended to strengthen a student’s ability to apply mathematics in context. The focus is on using mathematics in everyday scenarios, and is studied alongside three other A-Level options. Entry requirements are GCSE Mathematics Grade 5+.
What will you study:
Core Mathematics, also known as Mathematics in Context, is a versatile qualification equal in size to an AS level.
Our Exam Board is AQA, and your assessment consists of two papers taken in May. There is also pre-release material that you will be given in March to prepare for in the build up to the exams. This is not coursework; it is more like a case study which you will have to refer in the exam hall.
The main content includes:
- Financial maths
- Graphical techniques
- Critical analysis of information (e.g. newspaper headlines and misleading statistics)
- Spreadsheets and solving ‘real-life’ problems
- Estimation
- Handling data
Studying Core Maths helps students develop their quantitative and problem-solving skills. This is valuable preparation for many degree courses, particularly in subjects such as geography, psychology, business-related courses, sports and social sciences, and natural science courses that do not require AS/A level Mathematics.
Future Pathways:
Core Maths content overlaps with lots of A levels our student chose to study: Biology, Psychology, Geography and Business, to name a few.
Naturally, Universities are also admirers of the qualification, especially when Maths as a standalone A level is not required, but there are elements of maths in their program nonetheless. Some reputable universities still make alternative offers equivalent to one A Level grade below the standard entry requirements for your course, subject to you achieving a specific grade in Core Maths.
Course Leader
Ms Salt
Examination Board
AQA
Paper 1: Statistics, Finance and Fermi Estimation
Paper 2C: Graphical Techniques
Each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes and 90 marks.
Preliminary material is released a couple of months before the exam, and will be studied in class
Entry Requirement
Grade 5+ Mathematics GCSE
Calculator
Casio FX-83GT - This is the standard GCSE calculator
SUBJECT SPECIFIC PRESENTATIONS AND HOLIDAY TASKS
Please click the below link to take you to a page listing subject presentations and summer holiday tasks for Year 11 students entering V6 Sixth Form in September.
