Brooke Weston

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Coomb Road, Great Oakley, Corby, Northamptonshire NN18 8LA t 01536 396366 f 01536 396867

Brooke Weston

Post-16 Prospectus 2008/2009

A Maths Student Studying maths can help you in lots of other subject areas as well; it combines well with subjects like business, economics and the sciences.

Mathematics

The Mathematics department gives students the opportunity to study mathematics in the Sixth Form and to prepare them for university and college courses which require a Post 16 qualification. The department is well equipped with resources to support students, including the use of software packages and PowerPoint presentations.

As well as the traditional AS and A2 in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, we are also offering students the opportunity to study Accounting.

Courses offered in Mathematics:

Mathematics (OCR-MEI)

Mathematics Students In maths you do different modules. You have the core modules and then applied ones like mechanics and statistics.

Entry

Open to students who have gained at least a grade B in GCSE mathematics.

Overview

The two year course provides students with a thorough grounding in pure mathematics, mechanics and statistics which would support university applications not only for maths related subjects but also for engineering, science, and business studies courses. Two pure modules (C1 and C2) and one statistics module (S1) are studied in Year 12. Two more pure modules (C3 and C4) and one mechanics module (M1) are studied in Year 13 to complete the A2 course.

Unit descriptors

C1 Module

This takes elements of the GCSE syllabus studied at A/Alevels and applies them to polynomials and coordinate geometry in more detail. All work is conducted without a calculator.

C2 Module

Students are introduced to basic differentiation and integration techniques, applying them to polynomials. Sequences and series are also investigated.

S1 Module

The techniques of single variable statistics are studied, including calculations of averages and measures of spread. The Binomial Distribution is applied to the study of probability and hypothesis testing.

C3 Module

Functions are defined and investigated in detail including exponentials and logarithms. Further differentiation and integration techniques are studied and applied to more complex functions. There is a piece of coursework on numerical methods for solving equations.

C4 Module

Students learn how to apply trigonometric identities to solving problems. The binomial expansion and partial fractions are applied to functions in order to differentiate and integrate them. A short comprehension paper on a mathematical problem concludes this module

M1 Module

Newtonian mechanics is studied and applied to problems. There is a strong link to physics and problems involving simple forces and motion.

Assessment

One unit is assessed through coursework and five units are assessed by means of an externally set written examination paper.

Opportunities for Higher Education

Students of A Level mathematics go on to study a wide variety of subjects at degree level, ranging from law to languages. It is recommended that students wishing to study sciences at university have at least an AS Level qualification in mathematics.

Career Opportunities

Mathematics is a highly regarded qualification in most professions. The skills of logical thinking and an analytical approach to problem solving are sought after in most managerial posts. Careers in mathematics, finance, science and engineering are open to students studying mathematics.

Further Mathematics (OCR-MEI)

Mathematics Students In further maths you cover a broader range of subjects and it's more in depth; it's to do with patterns and sequences.

Entry

Open to students who have gained at least a grade B in GCSE mathematics. It is not possible to study this course without studying mathematics as well.

Overview

The two year course provides students with the opportunities to study some wider aspects of mathematics. Matrices and complex numbers are just two areas which are investigated on this course. The applied units studied are designed to develop logical problem solving through the use of algorithms and to study mechanics at a greater depth.

Unit descriptors

D1 Module

Explores the application of mathematical modelling to solve real life problems. This unit investigates using algorithms and linear programming to solve problems involving networks, eg computer, road, rail and telephone networks.

D2 Module

This module builds on topics introduced in D1. Extensive use of computer software is used in order to solve more complex problems. Applications range from solving ‘The Travelling Salesman Problem', to the use of logic, switching and combinatorial circuits.

FP1 Module

Develops an understanding of the rigour and technical accuracy needed for more advanced studies of mathematics. This unit studies complex numbers and matrices for the first time, as well as building on proof and graphs that are studied in C1 and C2.

FP2 Module

Builds and extends students” knowledge of pure mathematics and associated techniques. In this unit students learn to make appropriate use of graphical calculators, and investigate inverse trigonometrical and hyperbolic functions.

M2 Module

Students will build on the work of the mechanics 1 module by extending the range of concepts. The rigid body model is introduced for use in cases involving moments.

M3 Module

Students will build further on the concepts of mechanics 1 and mechanics 2. The students will be introduced to circular motion and simple harmonic motion and use calculus to solve problems with solid bodies.

Assessment

Each of the six units is assessed by means of an externally set written examination.

Opportunities for Higher Education

Further mathematics is a highly desirable qualification for students who which to study mathematics or engineering at university. It is often a requirement for those wishing to apply to Oxford or Cambridge.

Career Opportunities

Further mathematics is a highly regarded qualification in most professions. The skills of logical thinking and an analytical approach to problem solving are sought after in most managerial posts. Careers in mathematics, finance, science and engineering are open to students studying mathematics.

Accounting (OCR)

Mathematics Student If you want to have a career in business or accounting then this seems like an obvious choice.

Entry

Open to students who have gained at least a grade C in GCSE mathematics.

Overview

This two year course enables students to develop an understanding of the importance of effective accounting information systems and the limitations of these considering current financial issues and modern business practices. Students will consider the purpose, principles, concepts and techniques of accounting and develop their skills in numeracy, communication, ICT, application, presentation, interpretation, analysis and evaluation in an accounting context. In addition to developing a capacity for critical thought, students will develop an appreciation of economic, legal, social, environmental and technological influences on accounting decisions.

Unit descriptors

Unit 1: Accounting principles
20% of the total A2 marks

This introduces students to the basic concepts and principles of accounting. Students are expected to use the double entry system of bookkeeping to produce final accounts. They will change asset value, and classify expenditure when producing a Balance Sheet, Trading Account and Profit and Loss Account.

Unit 2: Accounting applications
30% of the total A2 marks

Students will build on the ideas introduced in unit one. They will learn to correct errors, produce revised balance sheets and complete control accounts for debtors and creditors. This unit will introduce a variety of organisations and explains the accounting role in each of them.

Unit 3: Company accounts and interpretation
20% of the total A2 marks

This unit specifically deals with the preparation of final accounts for a limited company. Students will develop their accounting skills further and produce a Cash Flow Statement. The unit will also develop the students understanding of how organisations are financed and the analysis and interpretation of accounts.

Unit 4: Management accounting
30% of the total A2 marks

This unit will explore how accounting can be used by an organisation. Students will be expected to produce a cash budget, calculate the value of stock and investigate costing within an organisation. Students will discuss at length the social implications of decision making.

Assessment

Each of the four units is assessed by means of an externally set written examination.

Opportunities for Higher Education

The course provides an excellent foundation for further study of accountancy at pre-professional and professional levels.

Career Opportunities

The course provides an excellent foundation for students wishing to pursue a wide range of careers in business management. They will find the management accounting, reporting and interpretation skills of great benefit.

Copyright © 2007 - 2010, Brooke Weston. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2007 - 2010, Brooke Weston. All rights reserved.
Company No. 2400784.Charity No. 802025
Brooke Weston
Coomb Road, Great Oakley, Corby, Northants. NN18 8LA
t 01536 396366 / f 01536 396867 / e enquiries