Whatever your purpose for studying mathematics, whether you are searching for the intrinsic truth of number and pattern, or exploiting those phenomena to build space rockets, the mathematics department will be your guide. As you progress on your journey to becoming a university student, you will be enriched, challenged and well prepared.
Mathematics is a compulsory component of our programmes of study. It is generally expected that all students will study Mathematics and Further Mathematics to A level.
In the foundation year, we follow the FSMQ Additional Mathematics specification. Geometry, including trigonometry, circle theorems, three-dimensional shapes, curve-sketching and transformations. Algebra, including algebraic fractions, inequalities, polynomials, functions and sequences, including limits to infinity. And a lot more besides!
This course ensures students have a well rounded understanding of the topics required to be successful at A-level.
In the first year, we complete the programme of study for A Level Mathematics with Edexcel, which we divide into foundations, calculus and applications. Pre-calculus focuses on the geometric and algebraic fundamentals of mathematics: trigonometry, coordinates, functions, exponentials and logarithms, sequences and proof. Calculus focuses on rates of change and accumulation, and we learn the techniques of differentiation and integration. In applications, we learn about the many ways these ideas can enrich physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics itself.
In the second year, we study A Level Further Mathematics with Edexcel. Unlike most schools, our department offers all of the available modules, giving students both a comprehensive foundation and the opportunity to specialise according to their own interests. This breadth means that our students are particularly fortunate: they can explore a wide range of mathematical disciplines while selecting the combination of modules that best reflects their strengths and aspirations.
The compulsory pure mathematics element develops students’ understanding of abstract structures and relationships, including complex numbers, infinite series, hyperbolic functions, and advanced calculus techniques. Alongside this, students may choose from a set of optional modules:
Through this structure, students encounter mathematics in both its most abstract and its most applied forms and have many opportunities to explore the interdisciplinary utility of mathematics.
Students have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of national and international mathematics competitions, which greatly enrich their problem-solving experience. Each year, students take part in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge or the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge, with high achievers progressing to the Kangaroo rounds and the prestigious British Mathematical Olympiad (BMO).
In addition, our mathematicians regularly compete in the CEMC Euclid and Hypatia contests, as well as the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC), the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls (MOG), the International Youth Math Challenge (IYMC), and the Mathematical Modelling Challenge, among many others. These competitions expose students to rich and stimulating problems, encourage creative approaches, and provide valuable experience of mathematics beyond the A Level syllabus.
We organise several trips throughout the year, and we are very grateful to the universities of Warwick, Birmingham and Coventry for the opportunities they offer our students. The teachers in the department are all first-class degree holders and are very knowledgeable about their subject – they will help you with any problem you can find, and you are encouraged to speak with them about mathematics inside and outside of class time.
An independent sixth form boarding and day college specialising in A-level STEM subjects. For students aged 15 -20, aiming to study at the world’s leading universities.
© The National Mathematics and Science College
Join Principal Dr Andy Kemp, Vice Principal Dr Penny Robotham and our current students to hear more about our unique STEM college.
