MEI is a registered charity, number 1058911

Useful information about A level Mathematics for schools starting sixth forms Enabling students to succeed in A level Mathematics Mathematics is a subject in which understanding at each level builds on the understanding students have already developed. Students who have a good understanding of the algebra content of Higher tier GCSE have a good foundation on which to build their A level studies. Successful schools and colleges often provide additional support for students who need to review and strengthen their understanding of GCSE Mathematics at the start of their AS/A level Mathematics studies. Teachers who are introducing new A level Mathematics courses will find it helpful to visit successful schools and colleges to learn from their experience. Most students taking A level Mathematics have grade A or A* in GCSE Mathematics, with almost all of the rest having grade B. Students with grade C or B can and do succeed in Mathematics A level but they will usually need additional support at the outset to ensure that they understand and can work with the ideas which they did not fully master at GCSE, especially in algebra. Not just for mathematicians

Over 90% of students who do A level Mathematics do not go on to do mathematics degrees. The mathematics they learn and the skills they develop by doing A level Mathematics are essential for degree level study in subjects such as physics and engineering and are also widely used in other subjects such as economics, chemistry, biology and social sciences. Students working towards degrees in these subjects are often surprised by how much mathematics they use at university. Numbers taking A level Mathematics have been growing strongly in recent years, increasing from around 50 000 in 2003 to more than 85 000 in 2012. The structure of A level Mathematics Since 2004, AS Mathematics has consisted of three units: C1, C2 and an applied unit. To complete the A level, students take a further three units: C3, C4 and another applied unit. C1 to C4 are Core units; the total content of C1 and C2 is almost identical for all awarding bodies; similarly for C3 and C4. There is a choice of applied units drawn from 3 strands, decision mathematics, mechanics and statistics; the possible units are detailed in awarding body specifications for A level Mathematics. New specifications for A level Mathematics are likely to be introduced for first teaching in the near future, probably in September 2015. Further Mathematics Students who are taking A level Mathematics can take an additional AS or A level in Further Mathematics. Just as for A level Mathematics, numbers of students taking Further Mathematics have been growing strongly in recent years. Since 2003, A level Further Mathematics numbers

have increased by 149%, to over 13 000.

A qualification in Further Mathematics is very useful for students who go on to university to take a degree in a highly mathematical subject such as engineering, sciences or economics as well as mathematics itself. A level Further Mathematics is required for entry onto prestigious degree courses at some leading universities. AS Statistics

Students who decide to study for degrees in geography, psychology, sociology, business studies and biology will find it useful to have studied some statistics. AQA and OCR both offer an AS Statistics qualification, which students could take in year 13. AQA also offers a full A level in Statistics. These qualifications are designed to be accessible to students who have grade C in GCSE Mathematics; the emphasis is on practical applications of statistics rather than on the underlying mathematical theory. Which specification to choose?

Ofqual regulates qualifications in England and monitors the awarding of A level grades to ensure that a student is just as likely to get a particular grade on any of the different A level Mathematics specifications. There is more detail about how Ofqual does this on their website: www.ofqual.gov.uk/how-we-regulate/ If your school is going to start a new A level course in Mathematics, you will find it helpful to visit other schools and colleges to see what they do and how they do it. This will enable you to make informed decisions about how best to structure your course. Support for teachers and students Professional development courses for both new and experienced teachers of A level Mathematics are available through MEI: mei.org.uk/?section=teachers&page=cpd The Further Mathematics Support Programme (FMSP) is a national programme funded by the DfE to support the teaching of AS and A level Further Mathematics and to promote increased uptake of AS and A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Schools offering A level Mathematics will find the FMSP a useful source of support and expert advice: furthermaths.org.uk Extensive teaching and learning resources to support both teachers and students of AS and A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics are available through MEI: mei.org.uk/?page=onlineresources

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Setting up

A level Maths

teaching in

your school

Question 1:

What are the important issues to

consider for someone setting up A level

mathematics teaching for the first time?

• Jot down any you think of on a piece of card.

• Put them all together and try to arrange them in

order of importance.

Setting up A level Maths

• Planning the Curriculum

• Resourcing the Subject

• Recruitment and Transfer

• Challenges Ahead

• Issues to Consider

• Help available

– No stock answers!

Planning the

Curriculum

Curriculum Structure

• What courses will be offered? (GCSE re-sits,

Core Maths, A Level Maths, Further Maths)

• Entry requirements/grades

• Which Exam Board and which modules?

• Timetable allocation

• Early assessment for right courses

• Plan for those who are failing

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Curriculum Structure Previous GCSE grade

< C C B A A*

GCSE resit

GCSE resit?

Core Maths AS Core Maths AS Core Maths AS? Core Maths AS?

AS Maths* AS Maths AS Maths

AS Maths

A2 Maths A2 Maths

A2 Maths

Further Maths AS

Further Maths AS Further Maths AS

Further Maths A2?

Further Maths A2 Further Maths A2

AEA/STEP AEA/STEP/MAT

Curriculum Structure from 2017 Previous GCSE grade

< 5 5 6 7 8 or 9

GCSE resit

GCSE resit?

Core Maths AS Core Maths AS Core Maths AS? Core Maths AS?

AS Maths* AS Maths AS Maths

AS Maths

A2 Maths A2 Maths

A2 Maths

Further Maths AS

Further Maths AS Further Maths AS

Further Maths A2?

Further Maths A2 Further Maths A2

AEA/STEP AEA/STEP/MAT

Curriculum Structure

• Scheme of Work (Modular; Linear)

Guidance from FMSP Area Coordinator

• Offer Further Maths from the outset!

FMSP support with tuition

• University requirements

FMSP website

• Offer AS Further Maths in year 13

Clever timetabling or FMSP tuition

Year 12

C1 C2 M1

C1 C2 S1

One Possible Structure

Year 12 Year 13

C1 C2 M1 C3 C4 M2

C1 C2 S1 C3 C4 S2

One Possible Structure Year 12 Year 13

C1 C2 M1 C3 C4 M2

C1 C2 S1 C3 C4 S2

C3 C4 D1

One Possible Structure

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Year 12 Year 13 Year 12 Year 13

C1 C2 M1 C3 C4 M2 S1 D1 FP1 S2 D2 FP3

C1 C2 S1 C3 C4 S2

C3 C4 D1

One Possible Structure Year 12 Year 13 Year 12 Year 13

C1 C2 M1 C3 C4 M2 S1 D1 FP1 S2 D2 FP3

C1 C2 S1 C3 C4 S2 S1 D1 FP1

C3 C4 D1

One Possible Structure

Year 12 Year 13 Year 12 Year 13

C1 C2 M1 C3 C4 M2 S1 D1 FP1 S2 D2 FP3

C1 C2 S1 C3 C4 S2 S1 D1 FP1

C3 C4 D1

From 2017 ….. Year 12 Year 13 Year 12 Year 13

AS: Pure + Mech + Stats AL: Pure + Mech + Stats AS: Further Ma D+S AL: Further D+S

AS: Pure + Mech + Stats AS: Further Ma M+S AL: Further M+S

One Possible Structure

Learning Approaches

• Style of Learning

“A Level – Active!” CPD

• Pace

• Assessment, remediation and support structures

• Building in revision

• Fostering Independent Learners

Problem Solving (STEP, MAT, AEA)

• Enrichment

STMC and UKMT competitions; NRICH

Resourcing the

Subject

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Resourcing (1) - Staff

• Training up and managing staff

MEI Head of Mathematics training

FMSP KS5 Leader for Maths LOPD

• Training for A Level Maths and Further Maths

Teaching Advanced Maths (TAM)

Teaching Further Maths (TFM)

Teaching Mechanics/Statistics (TM & TS)

Other FMSP one-day courses and LOPD

Resourcing (1) - Staff

• Up-skilling teachers for Higher GCSE

Teaching GCSE Maths (TGM)

• Pairing new with experienced teachers

• Observation, feedback, Quality Assurance

• Future-Proof your department

• “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket!”

Resourcing (2) – Texts and stuff

• Do you need to buy text books?

INTEGRAL Resources (subscription)

FMSP Website – Enrichment, Problem Solving

• Do you have other interesting books on Maths?

• Assessments & practice papers

FMSP Area Coordinator

Exam Board websites

Resourcing (2) – Texts and stuff

• Practical Equipment?

• Graphic Calculators

Casio and Texas will loan and demonstrate sets

• Rooming and IT Equipment

Technology and software

Dynakar

Recruitment

and Transfer

Recruitment into Mathematics

• What goes into the prospectus

• Include Further Mathematics in the prospectus!

• Marketing – Internal and External

• Promote Mathematics in Years 10 and 11

FMSP Yr 10 Enrichment days, Maths Feasts

• Why Take Maths at A level?

FMSP visit or other guest speakers

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Transfer from KS4 to KS5

• Taster Lessons (Pure and Applications and FM)

• Higher sets taught by A level teachers

• Consider AQA L2 certificate in Further Maths

One-day courses for AQA L2

• Induction (in July of Yr 11)

• Bridging course

MEI website Bridging Tests

• Transition work (over summer holiday)

CGP Books (for example)

Challenges a.. …head

Question 2:

What challenges will be coming up in

the next few years for:

* the new sixth form?

* all sixth forms?

• Put each challenge on a post it.

• Bring it out and try to group it with any others.

Challenges Ahead

• Core Maths versus AS level Maths

• New A levels from 2017

• Mechanics and Statistics in the new A level

• New Further Maths topics

• Funding Issues

• Staffing shortage

You are not alone!

• MEI

• FMSP

• NRICH

• Mathematics Associations (MA & ATM)

• Local FMSP Area Coordinator

• NCETM Maths Hub

• Casio

• Teacher Network Groups

Jeff Trim

jeff.trim@mei.org.uk

jefftrim@furthermaths.org.uk

Central Coordinator

& Area Coordinator, SE Region

Further Mathematics Support Programme

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About MEI

• Registered charity committed to improving

mathematics education

• Independent UK curriculum development body

• We offer continuing professional development

courses, provide specialist tuition for students

and work with industry to enhance mathematical

skills in the workplace

• We also pioneer the development of innovative

teaching and learning resources

Further Mathematics Support Programme

MEIXXXXXXXX JT 15/09/15 Version 2.0

Supporting Schools that are setting up Sixth Forms

Background The Further Mathematics Support Programme (FMSP) is a DfE funded national programme which works with schools and colleges to promote the study of AS/A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics and aims to support schools and colleges to develop their mathematics provision with a view to ensuring that students have access to Further Mathematics.

If you are starting a sixth form and will be offering A level Mathematics for the first time, the FMSP can offer you a great deal of advice and support.

A level Mathematics is an increasingly popular subject and the number of students taking it has been growing steadily over the past few years. The number of students taking A level Mathematics in England has risen from 46022 in 2003 to 85648 in 2015, an increase of 86%. Mathematics has now overtaken English and for a second year is the most popular A level and is now studied by 1 in 3 students.

(Source: JCQ)

Students who are taking A level Mathematics can take an additional AS or A level in Further Mathematics. Further Mathematics has been one of the fastest growing A levels since 2003 with the numbers of students taking both AS and A level both growing strongly. The number of students taking AS level Further Mathematics in England has risen from 3189 in 2003 to 26327 in 2015, an increase of 726%. The number of students taking A level Further Mathematics in England has risen from 5039 in 2003 to 14298 in 2015 which is an increase of 184%. Around two-thirds of state funded schools and colleges now offer Further Mathematics as part of their A level provision.

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

140000

160000

180000

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Mathematics entries in England

A level

AS level

Source: JCQ

Further Mathematics Support Programme

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If you are starting a sixth form we strongly recommend that you start AS/A level Further Mathematics alongside A level Mathematics from the start or that you have a well-developed strategy for introducing Further Mathematics. The FMSP can work with you to achieve this.

Who should study Further Mathematics? Further Mathematics is not just for the most able students. Many students can benefit from studying an AS level in FM, particularly if they are hoping for a career in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and there is evidence that studying FM can improve their results in standard A level Maths. Many universities now encourage students to study Further Mathematics, some actually require Further Mathematics to get onto a Maths degree. However, it's not just for maths degrees, those hoping to study subjects such as Physics, Engineering and Economics will also benefit from having at least an AS in FM.

What can the FMSP do to help? The FMSP has regional Area Coordinators spread across England. Part of their role is to offer help and guidance to schools in their region. Your local Area Coordinator would be happy to have a meeting with you and your staff about setting up Mathematics and will be able to help you with planning for both A level and Further Mathematics. These Area Coordinators arrange the CPD and enrichment events around the country and offer advice and guidance on post 16 mathematics to all the schools and colleges in their region. Contact details for your local Area Coordinator and a list of all the events taking part in your area can be found on our website: www.furthermaths.org.uk . On this site you will also find information, advice and resources and will have the opportunity to register with the FMSP. Registration is free and schools and colleges that register with the FMSP receive free staff access the Integral Online Resources which support the teaching of A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics across five specifications: MEI, AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC. Resources are also available for AQA Level 2 Certificate in FM, OCR Additional Mathematics, STEP and AEA.

0

3000

6000

9000

12000

15000

18000

21000

24000

27000

30000

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Further Mathematics entries in England

A level

AS level

Source: JCQ

Further Mathematics Support Programme

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Professional development The FMSP can provide a range of CPD in all aspects of A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics for your staff.

There are frequent one day courses on topics such as Introduction to Statistics 1, Engaging ways to teach AS Core and Teaching A level using ICT.

If there isn't a suitable course nearby we also have an extensive programme of live, online professional development. See http://www.furthermaths.org.uk/lopd for details.

‘Teaching Advanced Mathematics’ is a year-long course for teachers wishing to develop their own subject knowledge and classroom practice in teaching A level Mathematics. See http://www.furthermaths.org.uk/tam for details

For those who are confident with A level teaching and wishing to develop their skills to enable them to teach Further Mathematics there is the ‘Teaching Further Mathematics’ course, see http://www.furthermaths.org.uk/tfm . We are now offering a new course entitled ‘Teaching Mechanics’ for those wishing to develop their subject knowledge and classroom practice in the delivery of this application of mathematics at A level. See http://www.furthermaths.org.uk/teaching-mechanics .

There is also the opportunity to study a similar course for ‘Teaching Statistics’. This will next be available early in 2016. See http://www.furthermaths.org.uk/teaching-statistics .

Both TAM, TFM & TM are available in a masters version which enables teachers to combine their study of mathematics with study of education at university level and gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, which is one third of a masters degree in Education. The FMSP also offers CPD for teachers wishing to support students doing STEP (sixth term examination papers) and AEA (advanced extension award). These two courses are aimed at giving the most able students an opportunity to extend their problem-solving skills by tackling questions with greater depth and variety. Some universities include either STEP or AEA as an entry requirement for Mathematics degree courses. In addition for those teaching KS4 there are CPD programmes for ‘Enrichment & Extension’, ‘Problem Solving for GCSE’ and support for the AQA L2 Certificate in Further Maths.

Promoting Mathematics In order to choose maths in the sixth form, GCSE students need to be aware of the advantages and opportunities that having an A level in Mathematics brings and, most importantly, they need to be enthusiastic about studying. The FMSP runs a programme of enrichment days for KS4 students which offers them the chance to see aspects of maths that they do not meet at GCSE, many of which can form part of A level study. These events typically include a chance to see the links between maths and other subjects and to hear about possible careers that are open to students who have taken mathematics at A level and beyond. Many of these days are held at local universities, giving students the chance to visit a university. These events are fully funded and are free of charge to groups from state-funded school and colleges. FMSP Area Coordinators are also able to help you promote mathematics by running KS4 enrichment lessons and A Level Maths and Further Maths taster lessons in your own school or college.

Further Mathematics Support Programme

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Supporting students If needed, the FMSP can initially help with tuition of students. There are several tuition models, often used in combination:

Tutors visit students in their schools or colleges Students attend lessons organised by their local FMSP Area Coordinators at a local

university, or at a local school or college Online tuition

Your local Area Coordinator will help you decide which of these approaches will suit your current needs best and how your department can move forward towards teaching more of the course with your own staff. The FMSP also offers live online support courses in AS and A2 Further Mathematics for students which are designed to supplement teaching and students’ independent study. There is a full programme of online revision each summer and many areas also hold face to face revision days for particular modules. Details can be found via our website: http://www.furthermaths.org.uk/ The FMSP is managed by Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI) who have produced the following page giving advice to schools teaching A level for the first time: http://www.mei.org.uk/files/pdf/info_for_schools_starting_sixth_forms.pdf MEI is an independent charity committed to improving mathematics education and is also an independent UK curriculum development body. http://www.mei.org.uk/