AS Use of Maths

AS Use of Maths: Overview

Who is this qualification for?
The AS level, Use of mathematics is designed for students with GCSE Mathematics at grade C or above. It is ideal for those who do not intend to take the subject as far as GCE A level, but who want to learn how to apply advanced mathematics in real and interesting contexts.

How is this AS different from others?
There is less emphasis on content than in a traditional AS and more emphasis on process skills such as application, understanding, reasoning and communication. Students are encouraged to apply mathematics in their other studies (and interests) and such work can contribute to the assessment of AS Use of Maths.

What does Use of Mathematics consist of?
The three units of the qualification are:

• Working with algebraic and graphical techniques
  -this is one of the advanced Free-standing Mathematics Qualifications;
• either Modelling with calculus
  or Using and applying statistics
  or Using and applying decision mathematics
  - again these are advanced Free-standing Mathematics Qualifications;
• the terminal unit, Applying Mathematics.

How is this AS related to Key Skills?
Students who achieve the full award for AS: Use of Mathematics will also be awarded the Key Skill of Application of Number at level 3.

Scheme of Work
The AS:Use of Mathematics Work Scheme can be downloaded here. This combines the compulsory parts of the AS course (i.e. Working with Algebraic and Graphical Techniques and Applying Maths) and also includes a few notes about the optional units. Teachers doing the AS will need to download this work scheme and also that of the optional unit you have chosen.