The Continuing Relevance of Mechanics in A-Level Mathematics

This paper argues for the design of a pre-university Mathematics A-level course which includes a substantial amount of mechanics in which students’ skills in using and applying algebra and calculus can be developed. This proposal is counter to the trends of recent decades, in which applications of mathematics have been introduced which make fewer demands on such important pure mathematical content. It is argued by some that these trends have sought to make mathematics more accessible, relevant and popular. However, kinematics, statics and dynamics should be seen not only as the natural partner to Pure Mathematics but also an essential grounding for understanding modelling.