Mathematics A level - Distance Learning | Oxford Open learning

Mathematics A level

Course Price

A level Maths Key Facts

  • PRICE: £475
  • TIME REQUIRED: 700 hours
  • EXAMS: Summer Only
  • SPECIFICATION: AQA 7357
  • Available as an AS?: Yes AQA 7356
Mathematics A level

This new Mathematics A level specification is a combined Pure, Mechanics and Statistics course offering the very best in flexibility for your next academic or career step. This course is ideal for anyone wishing to progress onto courses or careers in Medicine, Science, Business and many others.

The course has 20 Tutor-marked Assignments, 2 AS practice papers and 3 A level practice papers.

The Mathematics A level course is split into 8 compulsory modules

Module 1 – Pure Core 1

  • Modelling and Proof
  • Algebra
  • Surds
  • Straight Lines
  • Quadratic Equations and Functions
  • Polynomials
  • Further Algebra
  • The Coordinate Geometry of the Circle
  • Differentiation
  • Integration

 

Module 2 – Pure Core 2

  • Indices; Further Differentiation and Integration
  • Trigonometry (1)
  • Graphs and Transformations
  • Trigonometry (2)
  • Binomial Expansions
  • Exponential Functions and Logarithms
  • Vectors

Module 3 – Mechanics 1

  • Kinematics
  • Forces

Module 4 – Statistics 1

  • Statistical Data
  • Probability
  • The Binomial Distribution

Module 5 – Pure Core 3

  • Functions
  • Composite Transformations and the Modulus Function
  • Inverse and Reciprocal  Trigonometric Functions
  • The Exponential and Natural Logarithm Functions
  • Further Differentiation
  • Numerical Methods for Solving Equations
  • Further Integration
  • Volumes of Revolution and Numerical Integration

Module 6  – Pure Core 4

  • The General Binomial Expansion
  • Algebraic Fractions
  • Further Differentiation
  • Parametric Equations
  • Further Trigonometry
  • Growth and Decay and Differential Equations
  • Vector Geometry

Module 7 – Mechanics 2

  • Moments and Forces in Equilibrium
  • Centres of Gravity
  • Plane Laminas Suspended from a Point
  • Motion in a Line
  • Motion of a Particle in 2D & 3D
  • Work & Power
  • Hooke’s Law & Energy
  • Uniform Circular Motion
  • The Conical Pendulum and Vertical Circular Motion

Module 8 – Statistics 2

  • Discrete Probability Distributions
  • Poisson Distributions
  • Continuous Probability Distributions and the Rectangular Distribution
  • Confidence Limits
  • Hypothesis Testing
  • x2 – test and Contingency Tables

 


This course has been designed to give you a full and thorough preparation for the AS level or A-level Mathematics specifications, set by the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA).

The Subject Code for entry to the AS only award is 7356.

The Subject Code for entry to the Advanced level (A-level) award is 7357.

The specification has been chosen as it is interesting, comprehensive and suitable for Private Candidates.

The AS course may be separately examined. However, marks from the AS may no longer be carried forward to the final A level grade.

The AS exam is useful for students who

  • can’t proceed to the full A level but would like to obtain credit for their learning,
  • for students who wish to have examination practice in a real exam situation.

The AS is assessed by 2 ninety-minute examination papers. Each paper is worth 50% of the total marks.

The full A level is assessed by 3 two-hour written exams, each worth 33.3% of the total marks.

In order to study this course, you are expected to have a knowledge of mathematics up to a good GCSE standard, normally grade B/6 or above.

In particular, you are expected to have a good grasp of:

  • algebra — equations
  • factors
  • fractions, and, especially,
  • the manipulation of formulae
  • triangle and circle properties, together with the tests for similar and congruent triangles
  • the trigonometrical definitions of sine, cosine and tangent
  • Pythagoras’ theorem

If your Maths skills were acquired a number of years ago, it might be an idea to purchase a GCSE Maths revision book to help refresh your memory. Your tutor will be able to advise you on this.

Bonus Material Free to You

When you enrol on the Oxford Open Learning Maths A level, you will get a free year of MarkIt!!. Markit!! is built by educationalists and mathematicians to give Maths students step-by-step preparation for their examination. Markit helps you eliminate the small errors, enabling you to show your working effectively and gain maximum marks in the exam.

A year’s single student subscription normally costs £100 but is yours for free.

Contact Us

Hi! We are currently open and an experienced Student Adviser is available to answer any questions you may have. Our number is 0800 9 757575

Mathematics A level FAQs

As with most of our A levels, we estimate that on average the course will require 700 hours of study in order to make the most of it. In the case of Mathematics, much of the work is understanding core concepts. How easily you grasp these concepts will affect how long it takes you to complete the course.

In general, a student aiming to complete the course in one year will need to study in the region of 16 hours a week or 8 hours a week if you are taking the course over 2 years. Should you decide to apply, your Student Adviser will discuss the time commitment with you in more detail.

As a minimum, you will need a scientific calculator with

  • an iterative function
  • the ability to compute summary statistics and access probabilities from standard statistical distributions.

You calculator must not be designed or adapted to offer any of these facilities:

  • language translators;
  • symbolic algebra manipulation;
  • symbolic differentiation or integration;
  • communication with other machines or the internet;
  • have retrievable information stored in them – this includes:
    • databanks;
    • dictionaries;
    • mathematical formulas;
    • text.

We recommend the Casio Graphics Calculator FX-9750GII. Just click on the image below for further details. Many other calculators are also suitable.

You will arrange to sit your examination as a private candidate at a local examination centre. Full details can be found on our exam pages

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