Mathematics

Head of Department: Andy Wilson. Email: A-Wilson@epsomcollege.org.uk

The Mathematics Department prepares its students for the EdExcel IGCSE Higher Tier course along with AS level, A level and Further Mathematics A level. The top two sets are accelerated at IGCSE, taking their public examination early in Year 11. The rest of the year group sits the examination at the end of Year 11. The accelerated sets study the first Pure Mathematics module (C1) of the AS course in Year 11.

In the 6th Form (Years 12 & 13), the top sets complete their A level in one year before moving on to study Further Mathematics A level in Year 13. These students will follow modules in Further Pure Mathematics and Mechanics along with the possibility of a module in Statistics and/or Decision Mathematics. The rest of the 6th Form studies the full A level following the core modules C1, C2, C3 and C4, along with two applied modules, M1 and M2 in Mechanics or S1 and S2 in Statistics. The choice of applied modules is directly linked, where possible, to the needs of the students and their other A level choices: Mechanics for Physics students and Statistics for students studying Business Studies, Economics, Geography and other subjects.

The Department has a purpose-built building containing ICT facilities, with Smartboards in every classroom, and is regularly the biggest 6th Form department in the College. In the Summer 2009 A level results, 81% of students gained an A or B grade in A level Mathematics and A level Further Mathematics.

It is a dynamic Department and we strive to make Mathematics fun, as well as interesting and relevant. On top of preparing for exams, there is a chance to have a go at a variety of Maths Competitions or even to get involved in philosophical debates about deep concepts like Infinity.

There are 10 members of the Department and it is a very popular subject, with over 70% of the 6th Form opting to study Maths.