Pure Mathematics (9709)

Cambridge International A Level Mathematics develops a set of transferable skills. These include the skill of working with mathematical information, as well as the ability to think logically and independently, consider accuracy, model situations mathematically, analyze results and reflect on findings.

Learners can apply these skills across a wide range of subjects and these skills equip them well for progression to higher education or directly into employment.

Cambridge International A Level Mathematics has two different routes: Pure Mathematics and Probability & Statistics only; or Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Probability & Statistics.

We expect students that register to this course, have an IGCSE certificate in Mathematics with a minimum mark of C. If registering students have completed a curriculum that is not Cambridge International in grades 9 and 10, they will be required to sit an internal Mathematics examination at our High School Campus

Link to full Syllabus: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/415060-2020-2022-syllabus.pdf

Key Benefits

Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics develops a set of transferable skills. These include the skill of working with mathematical information, as well as the ability to think logically and independently, consider accuracy, model situations mathematically, analyze results and reflect on findings. Learners can apply these skills across a wide range of subjects and the skills equip them well for progression to higher education or directly into employment.

Our approach in Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics encourages learners to be:

  • confident, using and sharing information and ideas, and using mathematical techniques to solve problems. These skills build confidence and support work in other subject areas as well as in mathematics.
  • responsible, through learning and applying skills which prepare them for future academic studies, helping them to become numerate members of society.
  • reflective, through making connections between different branches of mathematics and considering the outcomes of mathematical problems and modeling.
  • innovative, through solving both familiar and unfamiliar problems in different ways, selecting from a range of mathematical and problem-solving techniques.
  • engaged, by the beauty and structure of mathematics, its patterns and its many applications to real-life situations.

Key Concepts

Key concepts are essential ideas that help students develop a deep understanding of their subject and make links between different aspects. Key concepts may open up new ways of thinking about, understanding or interpreting the important things to be learned.

The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics are:

Problem-solving

Mathematics is fundamentally problem solving and representing systems and models in different ways. These include:

  • Algebra: this is an essential tool which supports and expresses mathematical reasoning and provides a means to generalise across a number of contexts.
  • Geometrical techniques: algebraic representations also describe a spatial relationship, which gives us a new way to understand a situation.
  • Calculus: this is a fundamental element which describes change in dynamic situations and underlines the links between functions and graphs.
  • Mechanical models: these explain and predict how particles and objects move or remain stable under the influence of forces.
  • Statistical methods: these are used to quantify and model aspects of the world around us. Probability theory predicts how chance events might proceed, and whether assumptions about chance are justified by evidence.

Communication

Mathematical proof and reasoning is expressed using algebra and notation so that others can follow each line of reasoning and confirm its completeness and accuracy. Mathematical notation is universal. Each solution is structured, but proof and problem solving also invite creative and original thinking.

Mathematical modelling

Mathematical modelling can be applied to many different situations and problems, leading to predictions and solutions. A variety of mathematical content areas and techniques may be required to create the model. Once the model has been created and applied, the results can be interpreted to give predictions and information about the real world.

Recognition and progression

Every year thousands of students with Cambridge International AS & A Levels gain places at leading universities worldwide. Cambridge International AS & A Levels are accepted across 195 countries. They are valued by top universities around the world including those in the UK, US (including Ivy League universities), Europe, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

UK NARIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills, has carried out an independent benchmarking study of Cambridge International AS & A Level and found it to be comparable to the standard of AS & A Level in the UK. This means students can be confident that their Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications are accepted as equivalent, grade for grade, to UK AS & A Levels by leading universities worldwide.

Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics makes up the first half of the Cambridge International A Level course in mathematics and provides a foundation for the study of mathematics at Cambridge International A Level. Depending on local university entrance requirements, students may be able to use it to progress directly to university courses in mathematics or some other subjects. It is also suitable as part of a course of general education.

Cambridge International A Level Mathematics provides a foundation for the study of mathematics or related courses in higher education. Equally it is suitable as part of a course of general education.

Resources

The following are the preferred resources at Istanbul International School:

  • Cambridge AS/A Level Pure Mathematics 1 9709 Coursebook
  • Cambridge AS/A Level Pure Mathematics 2 9709 Coursebook
  • Cambridge AS/A Level Mechanics 1 9709 Coursebook
  • Cambridge AS/A Level Probability & Statistics 1 9709 Coursebook
  • Cambridge AS/A Level Probability & Statistics 2 9709 Coursebook 

 

Cambridge International Examinations

Candidates can select their pathway from the following:

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Paper 1

Pure Mathematics 1 – 1 hour 50 minutes

Written examination – 60% (AS Level) / 30% (A Level)

10 to 12 structured questions based on the Pure Mathematics 1 subject content

Externally assessed

Compulsory for AS Level and A Level

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Paper 2

Pure Mathematics 2 – 1 hour 15 minutes

Written examination – 40% (AS Level)

6 to 8 structured questions based on the Pure Mathematics 2 subject content

Externally assessed

Offered only as part of AS Level

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Paper 3

Pure Mathematics 3 – 1 hour 50 minutes

Written examination – 30% (A Level)

9 to 11 structured questions based on the Pure Mathematics 3 subject content

Externally assessed

Compulsory for A Level

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Paper 4

Mechanics – 1 hour 15 minutes

Written examination – 40% (AS Level) / 20% (A Level)

6 to 8 structured questions based on the Mechanics subject content

Externally assessed

Offered as part of AS Level or A Level

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Paper 5

Probability & Statistics 1 – 1 hour 15 minutes

Written examination – 40% (AS Level) / 20% (A Level)

6 to 8 structured questions based on the Probability & Statistics 1 subject content

Externally assessed

Compulsory for A Level

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Paper 6

Probability & Statistics 2 – 1 hour 15 minutes

Written examination – 20% (A Level)

6 to 8 structured questions based on the Probability & Statistics 2 subject content

Externally assessed

Offered only as part of A Level

Early Years

Our programme is designed to encourage a balance of child initiated and teacher facilitated activities. The programme offers children a variety of choices. The environment includes art, dramatic play, maths, language work, enjoying books, art, music, water and sand play, science activities, and so on. Our goals include the encouragement of each child’s natural curiosity and interest in learning.

Primary School

Our School’s primary curriculum is built around the need to provide knowledge skills and understanding arranged by subject under three areas of study, environmental studies, life skills and the expressive arts. Our primary grades 1 – 4 are equivalent to Years 2 – 5 in the Cambridge Curriculum.

Middle School

Our School’s primary curriculum is built around the need to provide knowledge skills and understanding arranged by subject under three areas of study, environmental studies, life skills and the expressive arts. Our primary grades 1 – 4 are equivalent to Years 2 – 5 in the Cambridge Curriculum.

IGCSE

Cambridge IGCSE™ is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds, although it can be taken by students of other ages. It is tried, tested and trusted. It is taught by over 4800 schools in 146 countries. The programmes balance a thorough knowledge and understanding of a subject and help to develop the skills learners need for their next steps in education or employment.

AS/ Level

The A Level syllabuses prepare learners for university study, which is why universities worldwide value and recognise Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications.