6th Form Mathematics

OverviewThere are 3 units studied in year 12 – 2 of Pure Mathematics (C1 and C2) and 1 Statistic (S1). A further 3 units are covered in year 13 – 2 of Pure (C3 and C4) and Mechanics (M1). Together they lead to a GCE in Mathematics. The units are equally weighted and assessment is by formal written exams only. C1 is a non-calculator paper. Each paper is 90 minutes long. The earlier part of C1 and S1 are a revision of GCSE A* grade work.
Examination boardThe Sixth Form Mathematics course at Queen Elizabeth’s follows the EDEXCEL specification. Full details of the specification and additional support materials can be accessed here.

Unit 1 - Core Mathematics 1

Examination to be taken in June of Year 12

  • Algebra and functions
  • Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane
  • Sequences and series
  • Differentiation
  • Integration

Unit 2 - Core Mathematics 2

Examination to be taken in June of Year 12

  • Algebra and functions
  • Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane
  • Sequences and series
  • Trigonometry
  • Exponentials and logarithms
  • Differentiation
  • Integration

Unit 3 - Statistics 1

Examination to be taken in June of Year 12

  • Mathematical models in probability and statistics
  • Representation and summary of data
  • Probability
  • Correlation and regression
  • Discrete random variables
  • Discrete distributions
  • The Normal distribution

Unit 4 - Core Mathematics 3

Examination to be taken in June of Year 13

  • Algebra and functions
  • Trigonometry
  • Exponentials and logarithms
  • Differentiation
  • Numerical methods

Unit 5 - Core Mathematics 4

Examination to be taken in June of Year 13

  • Algebra and functions
  • Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane
  • Sequences and series
  • Differentiation
  • Integration
  • Vectors

Unit 6 - Mechanics 1

Examination to be taken in June of Year 13

  • Mathematical models in Mechanics
  • Vectors in Mechanics
  • Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line
  • Dynamics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane
  • Statics of a particle
  • Moments
Course support & enrichment at QEAll pupils participate in the Senior UK Maths Challenge in November. Some advance to the Olympiad. We also organise a study trip where pupils attend a series of lectures on the applications of Mathematics in real life.
Progression from A-level MathematicsApart from a degree in mathematics, an A level in mathematics will be useful in degree courses such as engineering, physics, economics, cybernetics and robotics.

Recommended wider reading

This is particularly relevant for those considering further study beyond A-level

  • Fermat’s Last Theorem by Simon Singh
  • What is Mathematics by Courant and Robbins
  • Does God play dice – the new Mathematics of Chaos by Ian Stewart
  • From here to infinity by Ian Stewart
  • Any other titles by Ian Stewart

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21/10/2008 - Secondary School of the Year

Queen Elizabeth’s School has been named The Sunday Times State Secondary School of the Year 2007. The School was featured in 'Parent Power' in The Sunday Times on 18 November 2007. 

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21/08/2008 - Excellent GCSE results for QE

Boys, parents and staff are celebrating following the publication of this year’s GCSE results. 96% of all GCSE examinations taken by boys at Queen Elizabeth’s were graded A*, A or B, with 83.1% achieving the top two grades. An impressive 138 boys in the cohort secured an A* in mathematics.

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14/08/2008 - Outstanding 2008 A-Level results

83.2% of all A-Levels taken at Queen Elizabeth's have been graded A, confirming the School's position as one of the top boys' schools in the country. Thirty-seven QE boys will now take up places at Oxford and Cambridge in the Autumn, representing a new record for the School.

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