Mathematics

Mathematics — A Level

British Curriculum · Cambridge Assessment International Education · Years 12-13 · Ages 16-18

Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics (9709) is the standard post-16 maths route in British-curriculum international schools and a hard prerequisite for engineering, economics, computer science and most science degrees.

The course is modular: Pure Mathematics 1 and 2/3 form the compulsory core, and schools then choose applied components from Mechanics, Probability & Statistics 1 and 2. Pure covers algebra, functions, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, series, vectors, complex numbers and differential equations.

The step from IGCSE is the largest most students will experience. Calculus and trigonometric identities arrive quickly and assume complete algebraic fluency, so the students who struggle are almost always struggling with Year 11 algebra rather than with the new material itself.

Key topics covered

• Algebra & Functions — Quadratics, polynomials, partial fractions, modulus, inverse and composite functions.
• Coordinate Geometry & Circles — Straight lines, circles, parametric equations and curve sketching.
• Trigonometry — Radians, identities, compound and double angle formulae and solving equations.
• Differentiation — Chain, product and quotient rules, implicit and parametric differentiation, stationary points.
• Integration — Standard integrals, substitution, by parts, partial fractions and areas under curves.
• Series & Numerical Methods — Binomial expansion, arithmetic and geometric series, and iterative methods.
• Applied Component — Mechanics (kinematics, forces, momentum) or Probability & Statistics.