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We always ask for A grades in Mathematics
and Further Mathematics for those taking both.
We are aware that not all schools can make available A-level Further
Mathematics. Because of
their relative lack of practice in doing mathematics beyond GCSE, it is
not always easy for `single Maths' candidates to demonstrate their
capabilities fully, but we give very serious consideration to such
candidates (and have admitted several who have gone on to do extremely
well). A real commitment to
mathematics and willingness to explore beyond the confines of A-level
syllabuses is more important than knowledge of any particular topic. AS-level
Further Mathematics, either for examination or just for self-study, is
worthwhile if the full A-level cannot be provided. For
all candidates, learning to Study alone, or with limited guidance, is a
very useful skill to acquire.
We welcome STEP papers for the extra mathematical experience they give,
but do not include these in our formal offers.
We express no preference as
between different mathematics A-levels. We
prefer the decision on whether, for example, Mechanics or Statistics is
chosen to be taken in accordance with the student's interests and what
the school can offer. In
any given year-group we usually have some students who have done no
mechanics and some who have done no probability. We
are also open-minded about the non-mathematical subjects, though we do
have a preference for a traditional academic subject as the third
A-level. In a typical
admissions round, some successful applicants will be taking double
Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, others will have combined their
Mathematics subjects with one or more Arts subjects, and there will be
at least one with an A-level reflecting a special interest, such as
Music or Art & Design. A
mix of Arts and Science A-levels is a good foundation for Mathematics
& Philosophy. By no
means all Maths/CS and CS applicants will be taking a computing-related
A-level. Those who are
doing so do not gain any particular advantage and this is not to their
disadvantage either.
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