Freedom for thinkers

Maths

For problem-solvers and pioneers

Mathematics is taught with rigour, developing within students, insight, depth of understanding and a broad appreciation for the subject and its applications.

Beyond the Exams

Our aim is not only to prepare students thoroughly for their A-level examinations, but also to develop a deep understanding of mathematical principles and the logical connections between different disciplines.

Building Confidence

We support students as they develop the confidence to tackle complex problems — even when there isn’t a pre-defined structure or set of options.

Accelerated Progress

The depth and breadth of EMS students’ mathematical experience is designed to accelerate their progress as they move into undergraduate study.

Enriched Opportunities

There are lots of opportunities to explore beyond the A-level curriculum both in your maths lessons and through the broader curriculum: Problem Solving lessons, EMC and Curriculum X.

Related pages

Pastoral and Academic tutorials are fundamental to equipping students to thrive at EMS and beyond.
Explore challenging problems and develop the skills to solve complex questions in Maths, Physics and Computer Science.
A series of optional eXciting eXtra courses that will eXtend and deepen your knowledge whilst preparing you for university study.
You will be challenged and supported to develop the skills you need for the future whilst exploring big and interesting problems.
We give you the freedom and stimulus to go further than the standard exam-led A level curriculum. Find out more about what you’ll be studying with this overview of the curriculum.

Mathematics & Further Mathematics

Qualifications

Examination board

A-level Mathematics

A-level Further Mathematics

OCR B (MEI)

Expand All

Assessment

Each A-level will be assessed by examinations at the end of the course.  For A-level Mathematics these will be:

Component 01: Pure Mathematics and Mechanics – 100 marks;
Component 02: Pure Mathematics and Statistics – 100 marks;
Component 03: Pure Mathematics and Comprehension – 75 marks.

For Further Mathematics, 50% of the grade will be assessed in the paper “Core Pure”.  Students will also be assessed by examination on their chosen modules.

Units of Study for Year 12

All students study the same two courses in year 12:

Maths Alpha: Mechanics and Pure Mathematics;
Maths Beta: Statistics and Pure Mathematics.

These courses will cover most of the A-level Mathematics curriculum and some of the Core Further Mathematics curriculum, including Complex Number, Matrices and Proof.  Topics are often taught extending beyond the syllabus.

Units of Study for Year 13

All students complete the pure content for the A-level Mathematics curriculum and the Core Further Mathematics curriculum.  Topics are often taught extending beyond the syllabus.  The Core Pure work accounts for half of the Further Mathematics A-level.

Students will also continue to study Mechanics and Statistics, completing a minor unit in each topic, each making up a sixth of their final grade.

Finally, students elect to study either Extra Pure or Numerical Methods to complete their Further Maths course.

MEI offer additional modules which our students do not sit, but have the opportunity to study highlights from as part of our enrichment and extension programme, Curriculum X.

Other Activities

Students will be prepared for, and encouraged to sit, UKMT Mathematics Challenges and University entrance papers such as STEP and MAT.  We have timetabled lesson in both year 12 and year 13, dedicated to developing problem solving and mathematical thinking beyond the requirements of A-level mathematics alone. More information about these classes can be found on the problem solving page.

For further details about our Mathematics and Further Mathematics curriculum, contact Andrew: andrewdaniel@exeterms.ac.uk

A-level Options

All students take two A-levels in Mathematics which we teach as a coherent whole. Lots of time for exploration and discovery - what could be more fun?
In Physics lessons you'll make links with maths and utilise the coding you learn through EMC, developing a strong foundation for further study.
Develop abstract thinking, general problem solving, mathematical reasoning, scientific and engineering-based thinking.
If there is a subject you're keen to study that EMS cannot offer, you may enjoy taking one of your A-levels at Exeter College.