Maths is a great choice for Sixth Form study. The most obvious argument for studying the subject is that it has so many applications in the real world. Mathematics supports many other subjects such as science, economics, computer science and engineering and a recent Institute of Fiscal Studies study confirmed that studying mathematics can significantly boost future earnings. Mathematics supports logical thinking, reasoning and problem solving, skills valued by employers across all sectors and the subject sits at the heart of our increasingly digital world. Even if you are unsure about your future path, mathematics can help keep your options open and support many subjects at university. It is no surprise that that Joint Council for Qualifications identifies mathematics as by far the most popular A Level choice nationally.
But, as GH Hardy argues in A Mathematician’s Apology, mathematics should also be studied for its beauty and satisfaction, just like subjects such as Art. Many see mathematics as a black and white subject with a ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ answer. But this fundamentally misunderstands what is fundamentally a highly creative subject. There is also a timelessness to mathematics. Pythagoras’s famous theorem will still be true long after the works of Shakespeare are forgotten. And you do not have to be a highly trained mathematician to at least understand some problems from cutting edge mathematics. For example, only IGCSE level maths is needed to understand Goldbach’s Conjecture , stating that every integer can be written as a sum of 2 prime numbers (eg 20 = 13 + 7 or 17 + 3), but it remains unknown whether this is true for all integers. Methods that show the power and elegance of mathematics, such as proofs by contradiction and induction, are part of Sixth Form syllabuses.
Yes, mathematics is considered to be a hard A Level, but the challenge and difficulty of mathematics is part of its beauty. If you have a grade 7 or above at IGCSE then you have a good chance of succeeding at Maths A Level and beyond. And if you are stronger than that, then Further Mathematics (or IB Higher Level) could also be an excellent choice.
Tim Reynolds, Teacher of Mathematics
