Key details
- Course areas
- A LevelsEnglish, Maths and Languages
- Student types
- 16 - 18 coursesA Levels
- Course type
-
A Level course
- Course level
-
Level 3
- Start date
- Tuesday 1st September 2026
- Location
- High Pavement Sixth Form Chaucer Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LP
- Course code
- Parent course code:C000450 Child course code: Q000515
Course introduction
If you have a talent for maths and enjoy solving challenging problems, this could be the course for you. It’s a subject where you’ll gain some great transferable skills such as problem solving, logic and analysing situations, which are useful for many university courses and careers.
Having a traditional subject such as Maths on your CV can boost your job prospects and there is evidence that people who study Maths earn more money than those who don’t.
The course is focussed around developing key pure mathematical skills, including algebraic manipulation, trigonometric relationships, integration, differentiation, and an understanding of vectors. Along with this pure mathematics, you will also take on two sections focused on applied mathematics, statistics and mechanics. In the statistics modules you will gain an understanding of working with data, probability, and hypothesis testing; while in the mechanics topics, you will be introduced to the key concepts of kinematics and forces.
The course will then build on your understanding. Primarily, expanding your scope in utilizing trigonometry, integration and differentiation along with introducing new topics, such as sequences and series and parametric equations.
As a student of this subject, you will have free access to an online platform called Uplearn to support your studies.
You will study this course alongside 2 or 3 other A Levels and you will be able to select your chosen subjects when you apply online.
Students who study Mathematics also often study Physics, Chemistry and Biology as they all are closely interlinked with topics taught in the mathematics course. There is also a large aspect of overlap with the statistical components of subjects such as Psychology that students may find beneficial in their studies.
You will be encouraged to participate in a 30-hour work placement while you are studying.
Read moreCourse information
2 years
OCR A Level Mathematics
2 year A Level Programme:
- To study 3 A Levels you’ll need at least 5 GCSE’s at grades 9-4 including GCSE English at Grade 4 or above and Maths at grade 6 or above
- To study 4 A Levels you’ll need at least 6 GCSE’s at grades 9-7 including GCSE English and Maths at grade 7 or above
The programme of study is for 2 years, and you will be expected to be achieving a minimum of grade D in all subject assessments by the end of year 1 to progress to your 2nd year.
Before enrolling, please complete the tasks in the link below and bring this with you when you enrol. Don't worry if there are some parts of the tasks that you can’t complete as this will give us something to discuss at enrolment. What is important is that you are attempting to explain your thinking.
Applicants with predicted GCSE grades 1 or 2 points below the entry requirement for an A Level:
If your predicted grades do not meet the entry requirements for either 1 or 2 of your chosen A Level subject choices, don’t worry we will still make you a conditional offer. We advise that you think about a second choice of course as a back-up plan. You can meet with us for a supportive, friendly and impartial discussion to look at other courses that Nottingham College has to offer. For more information contact High Pavement Sixth Form admissions by telephone on 0115 9100 100 or email at feadmissions@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk
Formal assessment is completed at the end of the course through three two hour long papers.
- Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 100 marks
- Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 50 Marks and Statistics 50 Marks
- Paper 3: Pure Mathematics 50 Marks and Mechanics 50 Marks
Each exam is equally weighted leading to the awarding of an A-Level in Mathematics on achieving a passing mark.
You could progress to a related higher education course such as maths, business, accountancy, science, computing, engineering or economics.
Maths is essential to everyday life and a relevant to a huge range of scientific, technological and engineering careers.
You will need a scientific calculator:
- Ideal spec model: Casio fx-991ex Classwiz or Graphing Calculator
Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.
Careers related to this course
Select career:
Actuaries, Economists and Statisticians
Potential Earnings
£81,401.07
Average Earnings
£45,365.80
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Pathways
Mathematics and Social Sciences
People in these occupations study mathematical methods, apply mathematics to solve problems, and study and describe human society.
Skills
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
