Mathematics with Mechanics - Castle Sixth Form

Mathematics with Mechanics
Exam Board: AQA Mathematics

Why Study Mathematics with Mechanics?

Mechanics is particularly useful for anyone wanting to study Mathematics, Engineering or Physics to a higher level. Due to the aims and the Pure Mathematics content, it can lead onto a wide range of degree courses.

What do I need to know or be able to do before choosing this subject?

You should enjoy mathematics and be following the Higher Level G.C.S.E. course. To have a good chance of success you need at least a grade B at G.C.S.E with very good algebra skills. During your GCSE course you should have studied:

The quadratic formula.
Completing the square.
Solving trigonometric equations.
Transformation of functions.
Factorising expressions such as 3x2-8x+5 and vectors.

You should discuss the possibility of following this course with your Mathematics teacher.

The aims of this course are to encourage candidates to:

Develop their understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment.
Develop their abilities to reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning, to generalise and to construct mathematical proofs.
Extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques and use them in more difficult, unstructured problems.
Recognise how a situation may be represented mathematically and understand the relationship between ‘real world’ problems and mathematical models.
Acquire the skills needed to use technology such as calculators and computers effectively, recognise when such use may be inappropriate and be aware of limitations.
Develop an awareness of the relevance of mathematics to other fields of study, to the world of work and to society in general.

What does the course consist of and how will it be assessed?

The AS (Advanced Subsidiary) Specification

This is the first half of the full A Level course. The final grade will count towards entry to Further/Higher Education.

The AS Level is made up of three modules:

Module 1: MPC1 (Pure)
33⅓% of AS or 16⅔% A Level
Assessment: One 1½hr exam. Calculators are not permitted.

Module 2: MPC2 (Pure)
33⅓% of AS or 16⅔% A Level
Assessment: One 1½hr exam.
A graphical calculator may be used.

Module 3: MM1B (Mechanics)
33⅓% of AS or 16⅔% A Level
Assessment: One 1½hr exam.
A graphical calculator may be used.

The Advanced Level (AS & A2) Specification

The full Advanced Level qualification is made up of 6 Modules.

Module 4: MPC3 (Pure)
16⅔% of A Level
Assessment: One 1½hr exam.
A graphical calculator may be used.

Module 5: MPC4 (Pure)
16⅔% of A Level
Assessment: One 1½hr exam.
A graphical calculator may be used.

Module 6: MM2B (Mechanics)
16⅔% of A Level
Assessment: One 1½hr exam.
A graphical calculator may be used.