AS/A Level Maths

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Maths is one of our major strengths at Tower Hamlets College. We have a strong record of success, and have taken part in all the new developments in mathematics teaching and learning over the last six years. Our teachers are very well qualified and will offer you support at all stages of your maths education. 

We have a wide and exciting range of subjects. AS Mathematics is our standard maths course. We also offer AS/A2 Further Mathematics, AS/A2 Statistics and AS Use of Mathematics.

In your first year (AS) there are two Core units (C1 and C2), containing advanced algebra and graph work and building on what you studied at GCSE. You will study calculus (the maths of change), sequences and series, curve sketching, trigonometry, coordinate geometry and other topics. You will need to have a good background in algebra. You also study one unit EITHER of Mechanics M1 (the mathematics of physics), mostly for students who are taking Physics OR Statistics S1. Statistics is about using data and probability, and is very useful for subjects such as Biology, Sociology, Psychology, and many others.

In your 2nd year (A2) there are three more units, two Core units (C3 and C4) plus EITHER Mechanics (M2) OR Statistics (S2) OR Decision Maths (D1).  Decision Maths is about algorithms, networks and graph theory. It is the mathematics behind taking a decision such as "which is the best route..." (satnavs); what is the shortest time in which we can finish the job ..." (project management), and is very useful for students interested in Computing or Business. At a higher level this branch of Maths is often called Operations Research and leads into many exciting careers.

A Level Mathematics prepares you for any university degree course and combines well with all A levels. A Maths degree is the pathway to a huge variety of well paid careers.

Tower Hamlets College is one of the few offering such a wide choice of units. Many others will only offer you Core plus S1 and M1 only. Anyone wishing to become an engineer really needs to take Mechanics 1 and 2.  S2 is very useful if you want to study the social sciences at university.  Most schools cannot provide these higher units.