Mathematical Studies

Mathematical Studies – AQA Level 3 Certificate

Examining Body:

AQA

Entry Criteria:

Grade 4 or 5 GCSE Mathematics

Course Leader:

Mr B Williams

The calculator we recommend for this course is the Casio FX-991CW. It is not necessary to purchase an expensive graphical calculator

Why? :

It is widely accepted that the majority of students would benefit from the study of a post-16 mathematics qualification in order to develop their mathematical thinking and increase their employability. The AQA Level 3 Certificate in Mathematical Studies (which is not for those who have chosen to study A Level Maths) concentrates on statistical techniques rather than algebra, so can help students who opt to take subjects such as the applied sciences, biology, business, economics, geography, health and social care, nursing and psychology. This qualification is endorsed by a large number of employers and universities. If you have enjoyed studying the grade 4, 5 and 6 topics at GCSE then you are likely to be well-suited to this course.

Course Structure:

Throughout the year, a variety of topics will be covered, including:

• Applications of statistics - Statistics is the study of the collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It plays an increasingly important role in a wide variety of contexts and is used in areas of study such as biology, business, economics and psychology.
 • Probability - Probability theory has made significant contributions to almost all branches of science and engineering over the last 100 years. Probability is used in areas of study such as finance, artificial intelligence, business and philosophy.
• Critical Path Analysis – Critical Path analysis can be applied to a variety of contexts in business and industry. It is used most extensively in business and economics but is also utilised for some engineering problems. Critical Path models are used in industries such as transportation, energy, telecommunications and manufacturing.
• Personal Finance – This part of the course covers all aspects of personal finance including tax calculations, inflation, budgeting etc. The course is examined terminally by two 1 hour 30 minute papers. Paper 1 (50%) will require candidates to analyse real-life contexts described in a source booklet released before the examination. The remaining 50% comes from a second paper. There are three options for this; Statistical Techniques, Critical Path Analysis and Graphical Techniques. Which paper is chosen will depend on the strengths of the class.

Extended Learning:

Students will be given a textbook at the start of the year and homework often centres on completing the exercises held within.

Curriculum Road Map - Mathematical Studies