Mathematics A Level 3

For students applying from other schools please see the information below.

For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions

Applications Open - 11th December 2025

Applications Close - 30th January 2026

Entry Requirements:-

Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).

In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.

Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.

Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria

How to Apply

Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.

Subject Choice

In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.

Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.

Mathematics A level provides a good foundation for the study of Mathematics at a higher level, which is essential for further study in many Mathematical and Physical sciences, and desirable for many other including Physics, Engineering, Economics, Accountancy and Finance and Computer Science, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Philosophy, Architecture, Biology, Chemistry, Geology as well as Mathematics itself

Mathematics will follow the new 2017 Edexcel exam board specification. Mathematics is a popular choice and it complements many other subjects in the curriculum. The course is linear and students will take all exams at the end of the two-year course.

Paper 1 and Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 1

Proof

Algebra and Functions

Coordinate Geometry in the (x, y) plane

Arithmetic Sequences and Series

Trigonometry

Exponentials and logarithms

Differentiation

Integration

Vectors

Numerical methods

Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics

Statistical sampling

Representation and Summary of Data

Probability

Statistical distributions

Statistical hypothesis testing

Quantities and units in mechanics

Kinematics

Forces and Newton’s Laws

Moments

Students are assessed in school using a variety of end of topic tests, end of unit tests and homework assignments. These are monitored closely and are linked to reporting, rewards and interventions.

Six 9-5 GCSE grades with at least four at grade 6

A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language

Grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

You could take this course with other advanced level courses to prepare for higher education in areas of Mathematics, related areas such as Engineering, Economics, Physics or more general higher education courses.With further training, you could go into a job related to Mathematics such as an Accountant, Engineer, Financial Adviser or Teacher.The course also helps you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for, especially in the economic and financial sectors.