Mathematics - A LevelHead of Department: David Smith

Email: david.smith@qmc.ac.uk

Fact File• Essential for A level Physics, desirable for other sciences; 5 hours p.w.• Consists of two thirds pure maths (algebra) plus one third applied maths (a combination of mechanics and statistics)• No optionality; the same course content across all exam boards• Entry requirements: At least 6 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English• Opportunity to compete in local and national competitions, including UK Senior Maths Challenge, Maths Olympiad and Senior Team Mathematics Challenge• Trips & talks: Mathematics Inspiration & visiting speakers on careers and applications of mathematics• (For Double Maths, i.e. Mathematics + Further Maths, see separate page: Double Maths)• Extra support sessions for those sitting additional entrance tests (AEA, BMAT, UKCAT etc)

Course SummaryThis two-year course is highly valued by universities and businesses alike. It will help you to develop the analytical and problem-solving skills employers need. Building on your GCSE algebra skills, you will learn how to interpret information and prove important results, using mathematical equations to model real-world situations.

A combination of pure and applied mathematics will help you to think logically and make accurate observations. Maths is critical to understanding science and sits well alongside any combination of A level subjects. The first year covers algebra, graphs and functions, trigonometry, Calculus and proof. Alongside this pure maths, you’ll meet some practical applications in statistics and mechanics. The second year follows on, with algebra again making up two-thirds of the course and applied maths providing the rest. Exams will assess your problem-solving skills.

The statistical element looks at how to analyse data and draw conclusions about what it tells us. It covers correlation, probability and different distributions. Mechanics involves forces and motion, using equations to model practical situations and predict how an object will move.

Progression skills and opportunitiesMathematics develops all of the skills that are in high demand among graduates and school-leavers:• Problem solving – you will learn to interpret a question and apply appropriate techniques to obtain an answer. That’s what makes maths one of the most rewarding subjects to study!• Communication – Mathematics is a language. You will learn to express yourself succinctly with precision, using correct terminology. There is no room for ambiguity in mathematics!• Teamwork – Working on your own will develop your powers of concentration; however, much of the learning is done collaboratively, discussing problems and pooling ideas to find a way through to an answer.• Analysis – A key skill in maths is to break problems down and to make sense of a complex situation by analysing it in a piecemeal fashion. You will learn to interpret technical information, presented in tables, charts, graphs and diagrams…not to mention algebra!• Resilience – Staying power is essential if you are going to solve a tricky problem. You’ll learn not to give up, but to keep trying different approaches to find a way through.• Logical reasoning – you will be able to argue a case logically and to confirm results using mathematical proof. You’ll see how to draw general conclusions from evidence and understand the implications of a general principle in particular circumstances.• Independence – You will lean to be self-reliant and work things out for yourself.• Organisation – You’ll have to be disciplined; you’ll learn to manage your workload, selecting the resources you need and meeting deadlines, practising skills and getting help when you need it.

A level Mathematics and Further Maths are among the most highly-valued qualifications and can lead to many different careers and courses of study. All STEM and medical degree courses require Mathematics. Double Maths is highly desirable for Engineering, Economics, Computer Science, Physics and Mathematics. A maths qualification will boost your earning power. Many of the top jobs require maths, from game design to architecture, from accountancy to intelligence services.

Specific entry requirementsFor Mathematics: GCSE Maths at grade 7 or higher; grade 6 considered on an individual basis.

How is the course assessed?The course will be assessed in examinations at the end of the second year.

Art, Craft and Design - A LevelHead of Department: James Fraser-Murison

Email: james.fraser-murison@qmc.ac.uk

Fact File• For students planning a career in Art and Design, the A Level course will have the necessary breadth of work for entry onto a Degree or Foundation degree in Art and Design.• Some students study a one year full-time Art and Design Foundation course before progressing to degree level. A few students go directly into work related areas. Typical career options include fine art, illustration, textile design, interiors, fashion design, fashion promotion and three-dimensional design, including jewellery, costume and theatre.• Combines well with many other subjects at A level including other Art, Design or Media A levels.

Course SummaryArt, Craft & Design is a multi-disciplinary course which involves working with a wide variety of techniques and processes. In the first year, the course expands and develops students’ practical skills, knowledge and understanding of materials. Students will learn a wide variety of drawing, printmaking, craft and textile techniques and will create exciting contemporary artwork in two and three dimensions. This is deal if you want to explore processes and techniques from across the department.

During the second year the course seeks to build on the knowledge gained during the first year and develop the ability to work independently through sustained investigations, development of ideas and in depth analysis. Students will work on a variety of briefs but they will be more personally directed and in depth. The conclusion of the 2 year A level course will be for students to present two components of work in the form of a portfolio with an externally set assignment.

Specific entry requirementsIt is recommended that you have a grade 5 or above in an Art or relevant Technology subject. If this is not applicable, you should bring a small portfolio of work to your enrolment interview.

Being open to experimentation and to trying new things, as well as having a creative outlook and a willingness to work hard, is highly valued.

Mathematics - A LevelHead of Department: David Smith

Email: david.smith@qmc.ac.uk

Fact File• Essential for A level Physics, desirable for other sciences; 5 hours p.w.• Consists of two thirds pure maths (algebra) plus one third applied maths (a combination of mechanics and statistics)• No optionality; the same course content across all exam boards• Entry requirements: At least 6 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English• Opportunity to compete in local and national competitions, including UK Senior Maths Challenge, Maths Olympiad and Senior Team Mathematics Challenge• Trips & talks: Mathematics Inspiration & visiting speakers on careers and applications of mathematics• (For Double Maths, i.e. Mathematics + Further Maths, see separate page: Double Maths)• Extra support sessions for those sitting additional entrance tests (AEA, BMAT, UKCAT etc)

Course SummaryThis two-year course is highly valued by universities and businesses alike. It will help you to develop the analytical and problem-solving skills employers need. Building on your GCSE algebra skills, you will learn how to interpret information and prove important results, using mathematical equations to model real-world situations.

A combination of pure and applied mathematics will help you to think logically and make accurate observations. Maths is critical to understanding science and sits well alongside any combination of A level subjects. The first year covers algebra, graphs and functions, trigonometry, Calculus and proof. Alongside this pure maths, you’ll meet some practical applications in statistics and mechanics. The second year follows on, with algebra again making up two-thirds of the course and applied maths providing the rest. Exams will assess your problem-solving skills.

The statistical element looks at how to analyse data and draw conclusions about what it tells us. It covers correlation, probability and different distributions. Mechanics involves forces and motion, using equations to model practical situations and predict how an object will move.

Royal College of Art, London College of Fashion, Royal School of Needlework, UCA (Farnham,Epsom), UAL (Kingston, Camberwell), Manchester Metropolitan, Bournemouth, Falmouth,Brighton, Winchester and UWE (Bristol).

How is the course assessed?The course is divided into 18 Units which are all equally weighted. 9 units are completed in year 1 for the Subsidiary Diploma and 9 units in year 2 to complete the Extended Diploma which is equivalent to 3 A levels. Each unit is marked at Pass, Merit or Distinction.

What topics will I be studying?• Painting and Drawing• Printmaking• Textiles• Digital and film photography• Illustration• Typography• 3D Design• Contemporary Fine Art• Digital Art• Branding

Will I need any specialist materials or equipment?The studio fee of £125 per year covers most of the materials that students will require. Students may wish to purchase additional craft materials to develop additional skills within their area of interest. There will be the opportunity to take part in a residential trip.

Progression skills and opportunitiesMathematics develops all of the skills that are in high demand among graduates and school-leavers:• Problem solving – you will learn to interpret a question and apply appropriate techniques to obtain an answer. That’s what makes maths one of the most rewarding subjects to study!• Communication – Mathematics is a language. You will learn to express yourself succinctly with precision, using correct terminology. There is no room for ambiguity in mathematics!• Teamwork – Working on your own will develop your powers of concentration; however, much of the learning is done collaboratively, discussing problems and pooling ideas to find a way through to an answer.• Analysis – A key skill in maths is to break problems down and to make sense of a complex situation by analysing it in a piecemeal fashion. You will learn to interpret technical information, presented in tables, charts, graphs and diagrams…not to mention algebra!• Resilience – Staying power is essential if you are going to solve a tricky problem. You’ll learn not to give up, but to keep trying different approaches to find a way through.• Logical reasoning – you will be able to argue a case logically and to confirm results using mathematical proof. You’ll see how to draw general conclusions from evidence and understand the implications of a general principle in particular circumstances.• Independence – You will lean to be self-reliant and work things out for yourself.• Organisation – You’ll have to be disciplined; you’ll learn to manage your workload, selecting the resources you need and meeting deadlines, practising skills and getting help when you need it.

A level Mathematics and Further Maths are among the most highly-valued qualifications and can lead to many different careers and courses of study. All STEM and medical degree courses require Mathematics. Double Maths is highly desirable for Engineering, Economics, Computer Science, Physics and Mathematics. A maths qualification will boost your earning power. Many of the top jobs require maths, from game design to architecture, from accountancy to intelligence services.

Specific entry requirementsFor Mathematics: GCSE Maths at grade 7 or higher; grade 6 considered on an individual basis.

How is the course assessed?The course will be assessed in examinations at the end of the second year.

Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke, Hants, RG21 3HF Tel: 01256 417500 Email: info@qmc.ac.uk www.qmc.ac.uk