Maths A-Level: what are my choices?

Hi there,

I joined "Student room" moments ago in the hopes of finding a few answers in regards to a full EDEXCEL maths A-level.

Now, I am a mature student who's just gone back into education in hopes of pursuing a possible career in engineering. Now I am currently taking an extended diploma in mechanical engineering. What I have only just realized however, is that the mathematics taught at BTEC standard wont prepare me enough for a degree, and the way I see it is if I'm not ready, then I'm not going. After speaking with some of the lecturers at my college, they have advised me that a maths A-level is the best course of action.

Now, as for my queries:

1. What are the modules you take in the first year (AS) of a mathematics A-Level? would I be correct in saying core 1, core 2 and finally an additional module (in this instance: mechanics 1)

If that's the case then naturally, would I follow up in 2nd year with: Cores 3 & 4 along with mechanics 2?

See, my confusion lies with the edexcel specification listing Mechanics modules 3 & 4, would those also be included in a 2nd year of A-Level? or would that just be for a further maths A level?

If anybody could please confirm to me that it is indeed cores 1-4 with the additional modules (mechanics 1-2) that fully qualifies for a Maths A level, I'd really appreciate it.

Also, on a final note, does anybody here know how much so the maths A levels in particular will alter what with the education reform coming into effect? I mean, naturally I would presume for the first year, Cores 1, 2 and the additional module of your choosing would be bunched into one exam? have any details regarding this, been unveiled? if so could you please send me a link?

Many thanks

Phill

Hi there,

I joined "Student room" moments ago in the hopes of finding a few answers in regards to a full EDEXCEL maths A-level.

Now, I am a mature student who's just gone back into education in hopes of pursuing a possible career in engineering. Now I am currently taking an extended diploma in mechanical engineering. What I have only just realized however, is that the mathematics taught at BTEC standard wont prepare me enough for a degree, and the way I see it is if I'm not ready, then I'm not going. After speaking with some of the lecturers at my college, they have advised me that a maths A-level is the best course of action.

Now, as for my queries:

1. What are the modules you take in the first year (AS) of a mathematics A-Level? would I be correct in saying core 1, core 2 and finally an additional module (in this instance: mechanics 1)

If that's the case then naturally, would I follow up in 2nd year with: Cores 3 & 4 along with mechanics 2?

See, my confusion lies with the edexcel specification listing Mechanics modules 3 & 4, would those also be included in a 2nd year of A-Level? or would that just be for a further maths A level?

If anybody could please confirm to me that it is indeed cores 1-4 with the additional modules (mechanics 1-2) that fully qualifies for a Maths A level, I'd really appreciate it.

Also, on a final note, does anybody here know how much so the maths A levels in particular will alter what with the education reform coming into effect? I mean, naturally I would presume for the first year, Cores 1, 2 and the additional module of your choosing would be bunched into one exam? have any details regarding this, been unveiled? if so could you please send me a link?

Many thanks

Phill