Mathematics A Level

***** UPDATE FOR SEPTEMBER 2026 ENTRY *****

Thank you for your interest in our sixth form. We are no longer accepting applications. If you would like to be considered for a course in September, please take the following steps:

Current Sittingbourne School Students please speak to a member of the Sixth Form Team when you come to pick up your GCSE results on Thursday 20th August.

Students from other schools please bring us a paper copy of your results sheet on Friday 21st August 2026 between 10am and 12pm. Unfortunately we cannot accept a photograph of your results. Please come to the main school reception at Swanstree Avenue, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4NL.

Applications Open: Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: Friday 17th July 2026

Entry Requirements: Our general entry requirements are:-

• A Levels – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• BTEC Level 3 – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 4+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• T Level - technical course, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics.

• BTEC Level 2 – One year programme, which could lead on to further studies, with an average entry requirement at least five grade 2 or above, including English and mathematics.

How to Apply: Please apply via Kent Choices

If applying to T Level Engineering, please include a second choice set of subjects within the same application.

Summary of skills students gain by studying this subject

The course enables students to understand mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence, fosters enjoyment and provides a strong foundation for those who opt to study the subject further. Students will extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques and understand how different areas of mathematics are connected. Learners will be encouraged to use their mathematical knowledge to make logical and reasoned decisions in solving challenging problems. They will draw diagrams and sketch graphs to help explore mathematical situations and interpret solutions. Learners will be expected to take increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their own mathematical development.

Course Specification

The course covers three main areas of mathematics; pure mathematics, statistics and mechanics. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of a range of topics that they will already be familiar with from the higher tier GCSE in mathematics. These include algebra, trigonometry, geometry, statistics and sequences. They will apply their knowledge of these topics to solve a range of problems. Students will also cover a variety of new topics including differentiation, integration, exponentials, logarithms, mechanics, probability and hypotheses testing. Students will need to draw on a range of skills from across all topics to solve problems and interpret questions focused on different contexts.

Assessment

This is a linear course, which is examined via three 2 hour written examination papers. Two of the papers examine pure mathematics, whilst the third paper assesses pupils' knowledge and understanding of the statistics and mechanics elements of the course. The three papers carry equal weighting. Calculators are allowed in the examinations. Pupils will also be entered for the AS examination at the end of Year 12.

Additional Course Entry Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for access onto A Level courses, students would be expected to achieve a grade 7 in mathematics GCSE and at least grade 5 in statistics GCSE (if offered at the school).

Progression and career opportunities

Whilst some of our students opt to continue their mathematical studies at university, many also take this course to prepare for higher education in related areas such as engineering, economics, physics, teacher training or more general courses. Many employers offer apprenticeships to candidates with an A level mathematics qualification. In addition, this qualification will help you to pursue a career in the field of insurance under-writing and finance. Transferable skills such as problem solving and analytical, logical approaches are also highly valued by a range of employers.