A Level Maths and Mechanics AQA 5361 PDF
A Level Maths and Mechanics AQA 5361 PDF
A Level Maths and Mechanics AQA 5361 PDF
L E A R N I N G
General Introduction
A-level
Mathematics (Mechanics)
General Introduction
Mathematics A level
General Introduction
Maths A level
General Introduction
Welcome to your A level Mathematics course. This General Introduction should provide you with all the information you need to make a successful start to your studies.
Private Candidates
The AQA specification is open to private candidates. Private candidates should contact AQA for a copy of Information for Private Candidates.
Mathematics A level
General Introduction
Arrangement of Modules
OOLs A level Maths courses are divided into six separate modules. Each module corresponds to a written examination paper and a unit in the AQA specification. There are three units for an AS level and three more for A2 level (see below for details).
Textbooks
It is essential that you acquire the following textbook to support your AS-level studies: Sam Boardman, Tony Clough, David Evans: Pure Core Maths 1 & 2 (Heinemann, 2nd ed., ISBN: 0-43-551330-3). If you go on to A2-level (the 2nd year), you will also need the second book in the Heinemann series: Sam Boardman, Tony Clough, David Evans: Pure Core Maths 3 & 4 (Heinemann, 2nd ed., ISBN: 0-43-551331-1). If you are taking the Mechanics (Applied Maths) options, you will also need (for both AS and A2): L. Bostock and S. Chandler, Mathematics Mechanics and Probability (Nelson Thornes, ISBN 0-8595-0141-8) If you are taking the Statistics options, you will also need: Roger Williamson, et al., Statistics 1 (Heinemann, ISBN 0-43551338-9) (for AS level), and Roger Williamson et al, Advancing Maths for AQA: Statistics 2 (Heinemann, ISBN: 0-435-51339-7) (for A2) If you are taking Pure Mathematics A level, you will also need: L. Bostock et al., Further Pure Mathematics (Nelson Thornes, ISBN 0-8595-0103-5) For the FP2 paper (only), you will also need to download the free supporting text from the AQA site, currently located at: http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/pdf/AQA-MFP2-TEXTBOOK.PDF One easy way of acquiring the other accompanying textbooks is through the Oxford Open Learning website (www.ool.co.uk).
Mathematics A level
General Introduction
General Information
In the past few years there have been many changes in Mathematics, at O level, now GCSE, and at A level. In the 1960s Modern Mathematics was introduced and the new syllabuses involving this threw out much of the old traditional work. This was fine for the very able students, but those who found Mathematics less easy had many problems, since these modern syllabuses contained topics which were difficult to relate to practical ideas. After experimenting with these new syllabuses, the examination boards introduced courses containing the best of the modern topics, together with the traditional ones which are still relevant. Nowadays, instead of a wide range of possible syllabuses, each examination board tends to offer a core syllabus of basic mathematics, together with a set of more diverse options which the student can choose from.
Pre-Requisite Experience
In order to study this course, you are expected to have a knowledge of mathematics up to a good O level or GCSE standard. Just a mere pass is not usually a sufficient basis on which to progress to A level. In particular you are expected to have a good grasp of algebra equations, factors, fractions, and, especially, the manipulation of formulae. These are topics which are frequently encountered in all aspects of this course, and it will be assumed that you have a sound knowledge of them. You should know, in geometry, the triangle and circle properties, together with the tests for similar and congruent triangles. The trigonometrical definitions of sine, cosine and tangent, together with the solution of a rightangled triangle, should be known. 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.
Electronic Calculators
All examining boards now recommend, or actually require, that a calculator is used in most examinations. The syllabus specifies the type of calculator allowed. It is strongly recommended that you acquire and use a graphical calculator which is permitted in all AQA papers except the first one. You may be at a disadvantage if you only have a calculator of a scientific type, with functions which include sin, cos, tan and their inverses, in both degrees and radians, , xy, ex, logex, etc.
Mathematics A level
General Introduction
In this course you should use a calculator for all questions requiring a numerical answer, unless you are specifically told to leave answers in surd (root) form. Final answers should normally be given to three significant figures in an exam, but during your working, keep intermediate values to as great a degree of accuracy as your calculator will allow. Some answers in this course are given to a larger number of significant figures, where it seems appropriate. You should show in your working any necessary explicit formula you use to calculate your answer. Marks may be deducted for lack of essential working. All steps in working should be shown, giving the answers at each stage.
Mathematics A level
General Introduction
more difficult, then try more of the questions set on it, to give you practice in overcoming the problems. At the end of each chapter there are usually multiplechoice and miscellaneous exercises covering the whole chapter. You will be told when to attempt these, in the lesson notes. The AQA syllabus does not include a multiplechoice paper, but it is still a good idea to attempt the multiple-choice exercises in the books. The miscellaneous exercises provide an excellent selection of questions covering the work of that chapter. They usually contain a large number of questions, and there is no need to attempt every one. However, the questions in them are often taken from past A level examinations. The source of these are indicated at the end of the question. It is always helpful to acquire copies of the most recent examination papers. Exams change from year to year, and this will give you a better idea of what to expect. Where necessary, the lessons also include Activities to provide additional practice or help with difficult points. These Activities include space underneath for you to attempt your answer. Having done so, the correct answer will be found at the end of that particular lesson.
Tutor-Marked Assignments
After a group of lessons you will find a tutor-marked assignment, and you will be told at which stage to work this. It should be attempted only when you are satisfied that you have completely studied and mastered the lessons to which it relates. It is best to attempt assignments under examination conditions, however it is not obligatory. Your answers to these assignments should be sent to your tutor for marking, and, when they are returned to you, suggested answers will be sent with them. At this level of mathematics, there is rarely just one right method for solving a problem, however. The suggested answers will give one way, usually, but not always, the shortest. The method you have used may well be completely different. Your tutor will indicate whether it is as good on your test-paper when it is returned. Experience shows that students who do submit assignments are much more successful than those who dont. It is your primary means of gaining individualised help, of sorting out problems and maintaining motivation. To conclude, this is no easy, armchair, subject. Much depends on your ability to work hard, and puzzle out any problems. When you encounter difficulties, try the problem again, working the problem out in various ways, until you suddenly see the correct method. Always work the assignments without assistance, and send in an
Mathematics A level
General Introduction
attempt at every question, however badly you think you might have done. Only then can your tutor see what your difficulties are, and help you to overcome them.
Examination Flexibility
The new style A levels allow for more flexibility in the taking of exams. The two most popular options are: AS is completed at the end of one year and A2 at the end of the second year; AS and A2 are completed at the end of the same year. Both of these options are open to students following this course as it is divided into two halves and follows the same modular sequence as the specification.
Mathematics A level
General Introduction
AQA Aims
The aims of this course are the same as the aims listed in the AQA specification. Please refer to the AQA website for full details. The stated aims for this subject are for the student to: a. develop their understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment; develop 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; develop an understanding of coherence and progression in mathematics and of how different areas of mathematics can be connected; recognise how a situation may be represented mathematically and understand the relationship between real world problems and standard and other mathematical models and how these can be refined and improved; use mathematics as an effective means of communication; read and comprehend mathematical arguments and articles concerning applications of mathematics; 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; take increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their own mathematical development.
b. c. d.
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f. g. h.
i. j.
Mathematics A level
General Introduction
Maths (Pure & Applied) Maths (Pure & Statistics) Pure Maths
In fact, specification 5361/6361 includes a number of different variants but these are the only ones available from OOL.
(1)
AS
A2
Pure Core 1 Pure Core 2 Mechanics 1 Pure Core 3 Pure Core 4 Mechanics 2
90 90 90 90 90 90
(2)
AS
A2
Pure Core 1 Pure Core 2 Statistics 1 Pure Core 3 Pure Core 4 Statistics 2
90 90 90 90 90 90
Mathematics A level
General Introduction
(3)
AS
A2
90 90 90 90 90 90
As well as these three basic routes, it is also possible to mix and match for the A2 optional paper in other words, to select another AS option. Of course, this cannot be the same one you have already taken at AS level! Thus if you have taken the Mechanics option (Unit MM1B) for AS, you could now take the AS Statistics option (Unit MS1B) as your A2 option, or vice versa. Please see the specification for the full range of alternatives. Unless you wish to specialise in one particular area of mathematics, this may be the easiest route to a good grade for some candidates. Full details of all these units are contained within the specification, which all students should study carefully, e.g. by obtaining it from the AQA website: www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gceasa/mathematics.html You will also find Specimen Question Papers and Mark Schemes for all units. These should form a key part of your revision for the examination. Calculators Candidates are permitted to use graphics calculators in all examinations except the first one (MPC1) where no calculator is permitted.
Mathematics A level
General Introduction
M17 1EH
(tel: 0870-410-1036)
or downloaded from www.aqa.org.uk/qual/pdf/AQA6321WSP.pdf. We advise that you obtain a copy of the syllabus so that you can assess which topics you have covered in the most detail and which ones you will feel happiest about in the exam. AQA can also provide advice booklets on your course, including Supplementary Guidance for Private Candidates. As you approach the examination, it will also be helpful to purchase and tackle past papers from AQA. It will also help greatly with all your studies if you can print off a copy of AQAs Formulae and Statistical Tables which can currently be located at www.aqa.org.uk/qual/pdf/formulae.pdf.
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