As Core Maths grows in popularity across the country and more schools and colleges seek help and advice for setting up courses in their establishments, we felt it would be appropriate to hold a session looking at how those experienced in Core Maths introduced the course and sustained their numbers of students.
Our Core Maths in Practice session at the end of February did this through a talk from Andy Bee, Head of KS5 Maths at John Port Spencer Academy in Derby, and from Emma Bell, Maths Education Support Specialist with MEI. We also benefitted from the presence of Tom Rainbow, the AMSP Core Maths guru, who shared his expertise throughout the event.
Firstly, Andy explained the important mathematical support that Core Maths gives students for their other A level subjects, including Geography, Business Studies and Psychology, as well as the sciences. He looked at the overlap of techniques taught for Core Maths and the questioning on examination papers. His research into what his Core Maths students had chosen to study post sixth form showed that they would also benefit from the course through their degree courses and apprenticeships. Andy explained that the students were given the choice of studying Core Maths or an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in Year 12; the take up for Core Maths has been consistent over the four years it has been offered, with numbers being similar to those taking A level Mathematics.
Emma then talked about the particular constraints faced when looking to offer Core Maths in Further Education colleges where the range of qualifications is so varied and more diverse than in sixth forms. She suggested a starting point of Engineering students and building a course from there. She also talked us through some very interesting Maths and Climate Change resources which have been developed collaboratively between MEI and the Royal Meteorological Society. They looked fantastic and would be an asset to any Core Maths course.
In addition to answering questions arising throughout the event, Tom also took us through all the fantastic resources and professional development that’s available through the AMSP. You can view the full range on the AMSP website. With our Getting Started with Core Maths Webinar, Core Maths Specification Networks, Core Maths Festival, and the amazing resources available through your Integral account when you register with the AMSP, there’s something there for everyone, whatever stage of your Core Maths journey you’re at.
If you have any particular questions regarding Core Maths, whatever stage you are at, please don’t hesitate to contact your local Area Coordinator.