The Student Room Group

UCAS application - Edexcel A Level Maths

Edexcel changed the course halfway through my A Level. I started Maths in Sept 2003 and I did 3 modules of Maths - P1, S1, S2 for AS Level. Pure has become Core. If it didnt change, I was planned to take this year S3, P2, P3. The P1 exam I took for AS Level now counts for nothing and this year it seems to be all Core Maths C1, C2, C3, C4. Im not even taking S3. The problem is, what was the course called before and what is it now. Ive sent off my UCAS application and I think it needs changing. Core Maths was not available on UCAS application just Pure. I chose "Mathematics (Pure) & Statistics" because its what I would have studied. My school says I should put down just "Mathematics". Is statistics part of Mathematics as a lone subject? This is annoying now, because I only got told to change the subject after I sent my application. Has anyone else got this problem? Could anyone help me to what this course is really called? Would I get away with it being called "Mathematics (Pure) & Statistics" because thats what I would have done for the old A Level. How unfair is it that P1 does not count for anything anymore. When I want to change my application, do I just tell UCAS or do I have to tell all the universities Ive applied to. To tell them my application has changed, is it best to phone them or post them a letter? How long will this change in my application take. I really cant afford to have this take a long time - I believe Im already late for applying for my University course (Business). I really am angry at edexcel, how unfair is it to change the course all of a sudden. I heard examining boards should inform of changes so things a planned ahead better.

Thanks for reading all of this and if you help.
Reply 1
personally because you did 2 non-pure modules and one pure module, i would say on your ucas form you should have written that you have an 'applied maths' as level, but seeing as you wrote pure and statistics it really shouldn't have mattered. Some schools don't even certify AS levels so i don't think it matters a great deal, they mainly looking at your predicted A level results, which will be a striaght 'maths' a-level
Reply 2
mandoman
personally because you did 2 non-pure modules and one pure module, i would say on your ucas form you should have written that you have an 'applied maths' as level, but seeing as you wrote pure and statistics it really shouldn't have mattered. Some schools don't even certify AS levels so i don't think it matters a great deal, they mainly looking at your predicted A level results, which will be a striaght 'maths' a-level


In the UCAS booklet they send to you after you applied they say that if the course changes, then I should contact them immediately. I know the course changed and I got a little confused as to whether to change it or not. The booklet also says that decisions made for them accepting you are based upon what you put down as your education. I put down "Mathematics (Pure) & Statistics" but I just put down "Mathematics" on my personal statement. Will this confuse them? Does it really matter under the education section? Studying statistics part, I didnt think the course was just called Maths although my school is telling me it is. Im so confused on what to do.
Reply 3
It's my understanding that your course modules will count towards the A level you were originally entered for. What has happened, is a new series of modules have become available to teach - and they are for teaching from September 2004 to new AS/A level students. All current maths students can continue on the old specification. For example, at my college, the second years will study according to the old specification (including the Pure modules, and Stats/Mech/Discrete), while the first years start with the 'new' specification - i.e. with Core 1-6 etc.

The old specification can be tested up until January 2006. The new specification will be tested for the first time in January 2005. The over lap allows students who are on the old syllabus to complete their qualifications, while new students begin with the new spec.

Hopefully that makes it clear. You can still take old-style S3, P2, P3, and be awarded the qualification "Advanced Level GCE in Mathematics", unless your college/6th is utterly brain dead.
Reply 4
i'm in the same position. i put 'applied mathematics' for AS because that's what it said on my certificate and 'mathematics' for A level. it doesnt matter if the course has changed.
Reply 5
pepperpot80
It's my understanding that your course modules will count towards the A level you were originally entered for. What has happened, is a new series of modules have become available to teach - and they are for teaching from September 2004 to new AS/A level students. All current maths students can continue on the old specification. For example, at my college, the second years will study according to the old specification (including the Pure modules, and Stats/Mech/Discrete), while the first years start with the 'new' specification - i.e. with Core 1-6 etc.

The old specification can be tested up until January 2006. The new specification will be tested for the first time in January 2005. The over lap allows students who are on the old syllabus to complete their qualifications, while new students begin with the new spec.

Hopefully that makes it clear. You can still take old-style S3, P2, P3, and be awarded the qualification "Advanced Level GCE in Mathematics", unless your college/6th is utterly brain dead.


omg, my 6th form is utterly brain dead!!!! im taking c1 to c4 this year for the 2nd half of my A Level!!!
Reply 6
your school isn't totally brain dead, it might have actually made sense for people in your school.

My school is doing exactly the same thing for people doing single maths maths a-level. The teachers found that most students did good in the applied modules (mechanics, stats and decision) but failed pure miserably. that is why they can concentrate a whole year doing c1-c4 with no other distractions.

this means thier old grade in p1 won't count.

however because i'm doing further maths i have to continue with the old system because no teacher is able to teach beyond c4.
Reply 7
one last question: i put down "mathematics" A level in my personal statement but "mathematics (pure) & statistics" in the education section. will this effect them at all (eg - confuse them). does it need changing?
Since you're applying for Business rather than Maths, it really makes no difference what you call your Maths A-level on your UCAS form. Call it whatever you like as long as it's got "mathematics" in it.
Reply 9
ThePants999
Since you're applying for Business rather than Maths, it really makes no difference what you call your Maths A-level on your UCAS form. Call it whatever you like as long as it's got "mathematics" in it.


thank you very much, ive been getting nervous on whether to inform ucas or the 6 unis of this slight error. you've answer my problem. :biggrin: