Mathematics Level 3 Award

Subject:  Core Maths (Level 3)

Key contact:  Anthony Shaw ajs@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

(OCR MEI B) Core Maths develops valuable real-life skills, to understand mathematical information and make better informed decisions. It is also designed to support other A Level subjects such as geography, social sciences and business; develops knowledge, confidence and understanding in maths in preparation for university study and, critically, provides useful skills for employment.

Course Content

All students will study some Quantitative Reasoning and Statistical Problem Solving.

In Quantitative Reasoning, learners are taught to use a modelling cycle, a statistical problem solving cycle and a financial problem solving cycle. They are also taught to use spreadsheets to work on a variety of problems.

Quantitative Reasoning includes the following content:

• Use of spreadsheets
• Modelling and estimation
• Statistical problem solving – mainly with GCSE techniques
• Financial problem solving- including percentages and foreign exchange
• Exponential growth, standard form, logarithmic scales on graphs
• Graphs and gradient as rate of change
• Probability and risk

Statistical Problem Solving is particularly suitable for future students of psychology, geography and other subjects which make extensive use of statistical techniques. By extending your understanding of statistical problem solving, you will develop a powerful and confident approach to working with real data and interpreting your results.

In Statistical Problem Solving, learners use spreadsheets and the statistical problem solving cycle to analyse authentic statistical problems arising from a variety of work, life and study related contexts. They are introduced to more sophisticated statistical techniques and so are able to address a wider range of problems. Learners are expected to work with large, real data sets during the course and familiarity with the contexts involved in one such data set will be expected in the examination.

Assessment

Core Maths is taught over 1 year and is assessed in May of Year 12.

The course will be assessed through two equally weighted examinations at the end of Year 12. Each examination is 2 hours long and a calculator may be used.

• Paper 1 (72 marks) will assess QUANTITIVE REASONING
• Paper 2 (60 marks) will assess STATISTICAL PROBLEM SOLVING.

Future Opportunities & Careers

Being the same size as an old AS level qualification, you do achieve UCAS points equivalent to half an A Level. However, the true value of this course lies in the skills you learn. Being able to competently use a spreadsheet, interpret statistics and do some maths that your peers have forgotten from GCSE will make you more attractive to both universities and employers.

It marries perfectly with the study of any physical, natural or social science at A Level and beyond.