Mathematics is the study of how we make sense of the world — from managing money and designing apps to building bridges and predicting the weather.
At Knutsford Academy we aim to deliver a fun and inspiring Maths curriculum that connects learning to everyday life and future careers — using a mix of interactive lessons, real-world problem-solving, collaborative projects, and digital tools to build confidence, spark curiosity, and develop critical thinking skills for success.
The EdExcel A-Level Mathematics (KS5) curriculum is designed to deepen students' understanding of mathematical concepts and prepare them for further study or careers in STEM fields. It is structured into three main components:
1. Pure Mathematics
This forms the core of the course and includes:
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Algebra and functions
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Coordinate geometry
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Sequences and series
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Trigonometry
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Exponentials and logarithms
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Calculus (differentiation and integration)
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Vectors
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Proof and mathematical modelling
2. Statistics
This section focuses on:
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Data presentation and interpretation
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Probability
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Statistical distributions (including binomial and normal)
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Hypothesis testing
3. Mechanics
Mechanics introduces mathematical modelling of physical systems, covering:
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Kinematics (motion in a straight line)
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Forces and Newton’s laws
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Moments and variable acceleration
Assessment
The course is assessed through three exam papers at the end of Year 13:
- Two on Pure Maths
- One combining Statistics and Mechanics.
Enrichment
- UKMT
Course Summary
Advances in computing have transformed many aspects of our lives; the A-level computer science course provides students with a broad insight into the structure of computers and how they can be developed to solve everyday problems. Students will gain a detailed understanding of computer programming by studying the Python programming language, this will provide them with the skills to develop computer applications to run on a wide range of platforms. Students will spend a considerable amount of time looking at computer and network architecture including how these have developed over the past decades. In addition to covering the technical elements of computer science students will develop their written and oral skills by writing about the impact that computers have on society and the moral issues associated with computing advancements such as Artificial Intelligence and government surveillance.
A Level Computer Science
- Fundamentals of programming
- Data structures
- Algorithms
- Theory of computation
- Data representation
- Computer systems
- Computer architecture
- Consequences of computer usage
- Communication and networking
- Databases
- Big data
- Functional programming
- Problem solving
Where might it lead
A-Level Computer Science provides the opportunity for learners to progress to Higher Education or directly to employment and higher-level apprenticeships. Computer Science leads to a wide range of career options including software programming, website development, computational simulation, Media & Film, Military, Artificial intelligence, robotic engineering, just to name a few. Computer science is one of the largest industries worldwide and is one of the fastest growing as computers make an ever-increasing impact upon our everyday lives.
Entrance Criteria
In addition to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s inc Maths and English at grade 5 or above
Plus a minimum of grade 6 in GCSE Computer Science.
Assessment
Exam Board AQA
PAPER 1 – 2 hr 30 mins on-screen examination based around programming
PAPER 2 – 2 hr 30 mins written paper on theoretical topics
PROJECT – Non-examined project looking at solving a single problem
Paper 1 & Paper 2 are each worth 40% with the project worth 20% of the A-level grade.
Contact info
Mr David Cole dce@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Head of Computer Science