International A Level Mathematics Course

International A Level Mathematics Course provides you with a thorough grounding in the mathematical tools and techniques often needed in the workplace.

The logic and reasoning skills developed by studying A-level Mathematics make sure the qualification is widely respected even in non-mathematical arenas.

a-level-mathematics-online-course

Enrolment Fee:

£595.00

Get 10% discount when ordering multiple A Level courses. Use the coupon code: ALEVEL10 at checkout

Description


This International A Level Mathematics course provides the techniques in Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Calculus that form the fundamental building blocks of further study in a variety of subjects including Science and Engineering. You will also find this course extremely valuable if you are looking for a progression route for further training whilst employed.

Difference between Cambridge & Edexcel Exam Boards


Cambridge and Edexcel A Levels are international qualifications. Cambridge A-Levels can be taken worldwide including the United Kingdom, whereas Edexcel A-Levels can only be taken outside of the United Kingdom. Both Cambridge and Edexcel courses are Full A Level qualifications allowing you to apply to universities internationally.

For Mathematics, Cambridge follows a more conventional route where the options available are more limited than what Edexcel have on offer. With Cambridge, you can choose to take the following routes during your study:

  • Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Probability & Statistics
  • Pure Mathematics and Probability & Statistics

With Edexcel, there is a greater choice of routes available and if you feel one topic isn’t working well, you can switch a module in most cases. Here are the routes for Edexcel:

  • Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics
  • Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Decision
  • Pure Mathematics and Mechanics
  • Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Decision
  • Pure Mathematics and Statistics
  • Pure Mathematics

You may wonder why there are so many choices with Edexcel, however some learners will want to specialise in certain degrees at University and these routes can help aid learning and show that you have knowledge within certain areas. For example, if you are planning a career in physics or engineering, you would find mechanics particularly useful.

It is also worth considering the pressure within the exams. For Cambridge, there is a total of four exam papers and with Edexcel, there are six papers.

Progression


The A Level in Mathematics course alone would help with immediate employment opportunities within banking, computing, financial services and retail.

If you decide to progress onto university and complete a degree, you could work towards one of the following careers:

Accountant, Scientist, Analyst, Engineer, Surveyor and many more.

Courses which compliment A Level Mathematics include Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science.

Cambridge Specification


Awarding Body: Cambridge

Course Code: 9709

Exams: June and November (March in India only)

Study Hours: 300 – 360 hours


Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)


This International A’ Level Mathematics Course with Cambridge develops a set of transferable skills. These include the skill of working with mathematical information, as well as the ability to think logically and independently, consider accuracy, model situations mathematically, analyse results and reflect on findings.

Learners can apply these skills across a wide range of subjects and these skills will equip you well for progression to higher education or directly into employment.


How will I benefit from the International A Level Mathematics Cambridge course?


The aims of this course are to enable learners to:

  • develop their mathematical knowledge and skills in a way which encourages confidence and provides satisfaction and enjoyment
  • develop an understanding of mathematical principles and an appreciation of mathematics as a logical and coherent subject
  • acquire a range of mathematical skills, particularly those which will enable them to use applications of mathematics in the context of everyday situations and of other subjects they may be studying
  • develop the ability to analyse problems logically
  • recognise when and how a situation may be represented mathematically, identify and interpret relevant factors and select an appropriate mathematical method to solve the problem
  • use mathematics as a means of communication with emphasis on the use of clear expression
  • acquire the mathematical background necessary for further study in mathematics or related subjects.

Key Concepts


The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics are:

Problem solving

Mathematics is fundamentally problem solving and representing systems and models in different ways. These include:

  • Algebra: this is an essential tool which supports and expresses mathematical reasoning and provides a means to generalise across a number of contexts.
  • Geometrical techniques: algebraic representations also describe a spatial relationship, which gives us a new way to understand a situation.
  • Calculus: this is a fundamental element which describes change in dynamic situations and underlines the links between functions and graphs.
  • Mechanical models: these explain and predict how particles and objects move or remain stable under the influence of forces.
  • Statistical methods: these are used to quantify and model aspects of the world around us. Probability theory predicts how chance events might proceed, and whether assumptions about chance are justified by evidence.

Communication

Mathematical proof and reasoning is expressed using algebra and notation so that others can follow each line of reasoning and confirm its completeness and accuracy. Mathematical notation is universal. Each solution is structured, but proof and problem solving also invite creative and original thinking.

Mathematical modelling

Mathematical modelling can be applied to many different situations and problems, leading to predictions and solutions. A variety of mathematical content areas and techniques may be required to create the model. Once the model has been created and applied, the results can be interpreted to give predictions and information about the real world.


Cambridge Mathematics Content Overview


The choice of modules are detailed below.  Please see ‘Cambridge Assessment’ tab for the routes learners can take.

Pure Mathematics 1 (Paper 1)

  • Quadratics
  • Functions
  • Coordinate geometry
  • Circular measure
  • Trigonometry
  • Series
  • Differentiation
  • Integration

Pure Mathematics 2 (Paper 2)

  • Algebra
  • Logarithmic and exponential functions
  • Trigonometry
  • Differentiation
  • Integration
  • Numerical solution of equations

Pure Mathematics 3 (Paper 3)

  • Algebra
  • Logarithmic and exponential functions
  • Trigonometry
  • Differentiation
  • Integration
  • Numerical solution of equations
  • Vectors
  • Differential equations
  • Complex numbers

Mechanics (Paper 4)

  • Forces and equilibrium
  • Kinematics of motion in a straight line
  • Momentum
  • Newton’s laws of motion
  • Energy, work and power

Probability & Statistics 1 (Paper 5)

  • Representation of data
  • Permutations and combinations
  • Probability
  • Discrete random variables
  • The normal distribution

Probability & Statistics 2 (Paper 6)

  • The Poisson distribution
  • Linear combinations of random variables
  • Continuous random variables
  • Sampling and estimation
  • Hypothesis tests

Cambridge Assessment


YEAR 1 – IAS Level

All AS Level candidates take two written papers. All A Level candidates take four written papers.

The Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics qualification offers three different options:

  • Pure Mathematics only (Paper 1 and Paper 2) or
  • Pure Mathematics and Mechanics (Paper 1 and Paper 4) or
  • Pure Mathematics and Probability & Statistics (Paper 1 and Paper 5)

Please note, the Pure-Mathematics-only option (Paper 1 and Paper 2) leads to an AS Level only and cannot be used as a staged route to a full A Level. Candidates who have taken Paper 1 and Paper 2 at AS Level and then wish to complete a full A Level would need to retake Paper 1 alongside three other components. These should be chosen from the specific combinations below.

YEAR 2 – Full A Level

The Cambridge International A Level Mathematics qualification offers two different options:

  • Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Probability & Statistics (Papers 1, 3, 4 and 5) or
  • Pure Mathematics and Probability & Statistics (Papers 1, 3, 5 and 6).

Please note, it is not possible to combine Paper 4 and Paper 6. This is because Paper 6 depends on prior knowledge of the subject content for Paper 5.


Exam Papers


Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1

Written Examination: 1 hour 50 minutes

Availability: June and November (March in India)

Assessment overview: 10 to 12 structured questions based on the Pure Mathematics 1 subject content

75 marks

Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2

Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Availability: June and November (March in India)

Assessment overview: 6 to 8 structured questions based on the Pure Mathematics 2 subject content

50 marks

Paper 3: Pure Mathematics 3

Written examination: 1 hour 50 minutes

Availability: June and November (March in India)

Assessment overview: 9 to 11 structured questions based on the Pure Mathematics 3 subject content

75 marks

Paper 4: Mechanics

Practical examination: 1 hour 15 minutes

Availability: June and November (March in India)

Assessment overview: 6 to 8 structured questions based on the Mechanics subject content.

50 marks

Paper 5: Probability and Statistics 1

Practical examination: 1 hour 15 minutes

Availability: June and November (March in India)

Assessment overview: 6 to 8 structured questions based on the Probability and Statistics 1 subject content.

50 marks

Paper 6: Probability and Statistics 2

Practical examination: 1 hour 15 minutes

Availability: June and November (March in India)

Assessment overview: 6 to 8 structured questions based on the Probability and Statistics 2 subject content.

50 marks

Edexcel Specification


Awarding Body: Edexcel

Specification Codes:

Edexcel International AS in Mathematics (XMA01)

Edexcel International A Level in Mathematics (YMA01)

Edexcel Exams: January & June (some exams in October too)

Edexcel Study Hours: 300 – 360 hours


Pearson Edexcel


Pearson Edexcel are the only board that offers dedicated IAS and IAL Pure Mathematics qualifications. They also enable learners to specialise purely in Mechanics or Statistics, for IAS and IAL. Also on offer is their Decision Mathematics Unit to enable progress for Computer Science Degrees.

Each paper has equal weightings and are the same length in time to help students prepare for a consistent exam experience.


How will I benefit from the International A Level Mathematics Edexcel course?


The aims and objectives of these qualifications are to enable students to:

  • develop their understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment
  • develop abilities to reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning, to generalise and to construct mathematical proofs
  • extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques and use them in more difficult, unstructured problems
  • develop an understanding of coherence and progression in mathematics and of how different areas of mathematics can be connected
  • recognise how a situation may be represented mathematically and understand the relationship between ‘real-world’ problems and standard and other mathematical models and how these can be refined and improved
  • use mathematics as an effective means of communication
  • read and comprehend mathematical arguments and articles concerning applications of mathematics
  • acquire the skills needed to use technology such as calculators and computers effectively, recognise when such use may be inappropriate and be aware of limitations
  • develop an awareness of the relevance of mathematics to other fields of study, to the world of work and to society in general
  • take increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their own mathematical development.

Key concepts


The key concepts for Edexcel International A Level in Mathematics are:

Structure

The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Pure Mathematics and the Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Pure Mathematics are modular qualifications.  The Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level qualifications can be claimed on completion of the required units, as detailed in the Qualification overview section.

Content

A variety of 14 equally weighted units allowing many different combinations, resulting in flexible options.

Core mathematics content separated into four Pure Mathematics units.

Approach 

Students will be encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and mathematical development. They will use their knowledge and skills to apply mathematics to real-life situations, solve unstructured problems and use mathematics as an effective means of communication.


Edexcel Mathematics Content Overview


Modules are outlined below and to see the routes you can take, please see ‘Edexcel Assessment’ tab.

Pure Mathematics 1

  • Algebra and functions
  • Coordinate geometry in the (x, y)
  • Trigonometry
  • Differentiation
  • Integration

Pure Mathematics 2

  • Proof
  • Algebra and functions
  • Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
  • Sequences and series
  • Exponentials and logarithms
  • Trigonometry
  • Differentiation
  • Integration

Pure Mathematics 3

  • Algebra and functions
  • Trigonometry
  • Exponentials and logarithms
  • Differentiation Integration
  • Numerical methods

Pure Mathematics 4

  • Proof
  • Algebra and functions
  • Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
  • Binomial expansion
  • Differentiation
  • Integration
  • Vectors

Further Pure Mathematics 1

  • Complex numbers
  • Roots of quadratic equations
  • Numerical solution of equations
  • Coordinate systems
  • Matrix algebra integration
  • Transformations using matrices
  • Series
  • Proof

Further Pure Mathematics 2

  • Inequalities
  • Series
  • Further complex numbers
  • First order differential equations
  • Second order differential equations
  • Maclaurin and Taylor series
  • Polar coordinates

Further Pure Mathematics 3

  • Hyperbolic functions
  • Further coordinate systems
  • Differentiation
  • Integration
  • Vectors
  • Further matrix algebra

Mechanics 1

  • Mathematical models in mechanics
  • Vectors in mechanics
  • Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line
  • Dynamics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane
  • Statics of a particle
  • Moments

Mechanics 2

  • Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane
  • Centres of mass
  • Work and energy
  • Collisions
  • Statics of rigid bodies

Statistics 1

  • Mathematical models in probability and statistics
  • Representation and summary of data
  • Probability; correlation and regression
  • Discrete random variables
  • Discrete distributions
  • The Normal distribution

Statistics 2

  • The Binomial and Poisson distributions
  • Continuous random variables
  • Continuous distributions
  • Samples
  • Hypothesis tests

Decision Mathematics 1

  • Algorithms
  • Algorithms on graphs
  • Algorithms on graphs II
  • Critical path analysis
  • Linear programming

Edexcel Assessment


International AS Level

All AS Level learners take three written papers. The Unit options are as follows:

  • Pure Mathematics (P1 and P2) and Statistics (S1)
  • Pure Mathematics (P1 and P2) and Mechanics (M1)
  • Pure Mathematics (P1 and P2) and Decision (D1)
  • Pure Mathematics (P1 and P2) and Further Pure (FP1)

Full A Level

All A Level learners take six written papers. The Unit options are as follows:

  • Pure Mathematics (P1, P2, P3 and P4), Mechanics and Statistics (M1 and S1)
  • Pure Mathematics (P1, P2, P3 and P4), Mechanics and Decision (M1 and D1)
  • Pure Mathematics (P1, P2, P3 and P4), and Mechanics (M1 and M2)
  • Pure Mathematics (P1, P2, P3 and P4), Statistics and Decision (S1 and D1)
  • Pure Mathematics (P1, P2, P3 and P4), and Statistics (S1 and S2)
  • Pure Mathematics (P1, P2, P3, P4 and FP1), and Further Pure (FP2 or FP3)

Exam Papers


P1: Pure Mathematics 1

Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Availability: January, June and October

75 marks

P2: Pure Mathematics 2

Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Availability: January, June and October

75 marks

P3: Pure Mathematics 3

Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Availability: January, June and October

75 marks

P4: Pure Mathematics 4

Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Availability: January, June and October

75 marks

FP1: Further Pure 1

Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Availability: January and June

75 marks

FP2: Further Pure 2

Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Availability: January and June

75 marks

FP3: Further Pure 3

Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Availability: January and June

75 marks

M1: Mechanics 1

Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Availability: January, June and October

75 marks

M2: Mechanics 2

Written Examination:

Availability: January, June and October

75 marks

S1: Statistics 1

Written Examination:

Availability: January, June and October

75 marks

S2: Statistics 2

Written Examination:

Availability: January, June and October

75 marks

D1: Decision 1

Written Examination:

Availability: January and June

75 marks

Q&A

You do not need any prior learning knowledge or experience to take this course. This course is openly available to anyone who wishes to take part in a highly rewarding home study course, although you would be expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy.

You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 2 years from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor. You do not have to wait until September, when a traditional school starts. 

Once you enrol, you will have access to our online portal 24/7. Here you will find study materials that have been specially prepared by your tutor, there will be assessments, study notes, eBooks and assignments all relating to your course. Everything in this course is structured to follow the course specification, so all topics and units cover everything you need to learn. Your tutor will mark your work and give you written feedback on areas you need to improve or explain what you have done well. You can also ask your tutor questions if you get stuck on a topic or need something explaining a little more. 

When you approach the exams, your tutor will set you a series of practise exam papers so that you can know what to expect in your exam, and you can go into them feeling confident.

You will be provided with eBooks for this course. If you want to purchase physical books in addition, then we can provide you with the book ISBN numbers.

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations (including any practicals they wish to take) at an approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

Most of our A Levels are available internationally. We offer A Levels with three different awarding bodies, AQA, Cambridge and Edexcel. If the course is only available via the AQA awarding body then of course you can still take our course, however the exams must be taken in the UK.

Cambridge, and Edexcel both have international exam centres, so you may be able to take the exams locally to you. Should you need any help, then please do get in touch and we can assist you on this. 

We recommend that you are able to dedicate between 300 and 360 hours’ study time, plus additional time for completing assignments.

Yes, you can work at your own pace to complete this course. Despite having 24 months Tutor Support, once you enrol you will be asked when you wish to complete, and your tutor can work along side you to achieve this.

For example, any A-Level course undertaken has a recommended 360 guided learning hours. Breaking down a 360 hour course into 12 weeks, you would need to be able to commit to 30 hours per week of studying. It is entirely up to you the amount of time you can commit to studying. But with online learning, having the flexibility is a real advantage. This allows you to set the pace. Take your time or Fast-track, get the qualification when you need it.

Yes you will gain UCAS points and these depend on your final grade once you have completed your exams. 

For more information about UCAS points, please click here

All of our A Level awarding bodies will give you a full A Level qualification. There will be slight differences between the specifications and what you will actually learn. 

For the Science courses (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), there would be a difference in how you sit practical elements. 

AQA offers practicals but they are optional.

With the Cambridge exam board, you will be expected to perform the practical elements, they are compulsory. Which means finding an exam centre that has a lab for you to complete this. 

With Edexcel, the practical elements are all taught in theory and are assessed via a written exam, therefore you can sit your full exam at a typical Edexcel approved exam centre. 

More information about science practicals can be found here. 

In most cases yes, what we would ask is for the course codes that you have taken in sixth form/college and we will see if we can match them up. 

In most cases you can, If you go to the individual course page you should be able to see if this option is available for you. 

It is recommended that you aim to book your examinations 4/6 month prior to sitting them to avoid late entry fee charges.  Additionally, we would advise that you contact a few exam centres and find out the best price, as they can fluctuate greatly. 

You will sit the same exam as thousands of students across the country in an exam centre, and achieve the same qualification as everyone else. A-Level qualifications are recognised by the world’s best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career.

Just like sitting your A Levels in a school, your tutor will be able to provide you with predicted grades, and references for university applications. 

Of course, all of our courses are tailored to cover the entire specification and are split into topics. You will have assignments to complete on every topic where your tutor will give you feedback. If you are struggling with an aspect then you can message your tutor and they can provide more information for you.

As your exams approach, your tutor will set a series of exam papers for you to take, so you can get a feel for the real thing.

If you complete all of your assignments, and your practise exam papers then there is no reason why you shouldn’t achieve a top grade. 

What support will I receive?

The course will be delivered online and it will include Tutor Support for two years. All assignments are marked by one of our professional tutors who will offer regular feedback and guide you through your course. Postal assignments cannot be accepted without prior permission from the tutor and you must have access to email in order to contact your Tutor.

Throughout your course, you’ll have the support of a Tutor to guide you. Additionally, you can reach out to your Student Liaison Team for help with any other questions you may have. You can be assured that you will receive unlimited support for your home study course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.

How do International Online A Levels work?

If you are a learner based outside the UK wishing to complete A Levels, you would need to opt for our International A Levels with either Cambridge or Edexcel. These awarding bodies allow you to sit exams worldwide.

For International A Levels, you will receive two years access to the learner portal along with tutor support. Marked and graded assignments are included with the course along with practise mock exam papers.

Learners applying to university can receive help with references and predicted grades. We provide support for UCAS, the Common App or direct applications.

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