Overview

Teaching Mechanics 2 (TM2) is an extended professional development course for teachers wishing to build their confidence in teaching mechanics. TM2 covers the mechanics content from all major specifications for AS/A level Further Mathematics.

TM2 consists of:

• Eleven live online tutorials
• Two compulsory study days
• Access to course-specific teaching and learning resources on Integral (MEI’s learning platform)
• Email support from a tutor and access to an online group forum

Towards the end of the course a short assignment is issued, for which support and guidance are provided. Course certificates will be available for those participants completing the assignment.

Aims

• Gain a deeper understanding of the principles of mechanics
• Develop skills with mathematical modelling and problem solving
• Develop confidence with incorporating practical work into maths teaching
• Improve subject knowledge and build on pedagogical skills
• Link topics in mechanics with other areas of maths

Who will benefit from attending?

TM2 is designed for teachers who are currently teaching A level Further Mathematics, or who wish to teach it at some point in the near future. 

Our extended courses enable teachers to broaden and deepen their subject, pedagogical and pedagogical content knowledge. This makes teachers better equipped to make links between topics, address students’ misconceptions and confidently challenge learners at all attainment levels. Our course aims and intended outcomes are consistent with the principles set out in the Education Inspection Framework.

Content

Live online sessions take place from 16:30 to 17:45 on Wednesdays (except the first session, which falls on a Tuesday); these are recorded and available for playback.

Tue 30 Jan:  Work and energy 1
Wed 7 Feb:  Work and energy 2
Wed 28 Feb:  Momentum and impulse 1
Wed 6 Mar:  Momentum and impulse 2
Wed 17 Apr:  Circular motion 1
Wed 24 Apr:  Circular motion 2
Wed 15 May:  Centre of mass 1
Wed 22 May:  Centre of mass 2
Wed 12 Jun:  Variable forces and SHM 1
Wed 19 Jun:  Variable forces and SHM 2
Wed 3 Jul:  Dimensional analysis

At the two course study days these topics will be explored further, with a greater emphasis on pedagogy. There will also be opportunities to try out practical activities and consider the role of modelling in mechanics. Please see the study schedule section below for further information.

Materials and equipment

A computer with a reliable internet connection will be required to attend the online tutorials. In addition, a headset with a microphone is suggested to get the best experience.

Eligibility

Participants must have a reasonable understanding of the mechanics content of AS/A level Mathematics, ideally through having completed TM1, though this is not compulsory.

Please note that this course has now reached its limit for non-funded places (those not teaching in state-funded schools or colleges in England). Applications from teachers working outside of the state-funded sector in England will now be added to a waiting list.

Cost

This course is free of charge to teachers working in state-funded schools and colleges in England. For others the course fee is £300.

Schools and colleges located in areas targeted for additional support (TSMAs) will receive a subsidy payment of £200 for each study day attended.

Study schedule

Study days

Study days are face-to-face events that take place from 10:00 to 16:00, with lunch and refreshments provided. Attendance at both days is expected.

Please note that although it is our intention to run these study days face-to-face, all events are subject to government restrictions and may be moved online if required. We therefore advise against making non-cancellable travel arrangements.

FAQs

How much time will I need to devote to studying?

It is difficult to be specific as this will depend on previous experience. In the past, participants have reported spending between one and four hours studying each week. We appreciate that most teachers have workloads that make regular study difficult, so the course is designed with flexibility in mind. We do ask that you have caught up with recordings of any missed sessions prior to attending study days.

It is not our usual policy to allow teachers to enrol on more than one extended course (TAM, TFM, TM, TS, TD) at the same time. Please contact us before making multiple course applications.

Do I have to hand in any work during the course?

The end of course assignment is the only work that delegates hand in. To receive a certificate you will need to submit and pass the assignment. Certification is optional but we strongly encourage you to submit an assignment anyway to help you consolidate what you have learnt. In the past, most teachers have chosen to submit an assignment.

Where do study days take place?

We vary face-to-face study day locations. Recent study day locations have included London and Coventry.

Participant feedback

TM1 and TM2 have been instrumental in helping me get over my problems with understanding and applying mechanics - I feel much more confident.

Great practical ideas to demo the theory and bring it alive!

All the course leaders presented excellently and gave many useful lesson ideas.

...really enthused me to go away and DO some mechanics.

Key facts

• Reference:#12327
• Audience:Teachers
• Curriculum focus:A level Further Mathematics
• Mathematical focus:Mechanics
• Format:Blended
• Duration:6 months
• Study days:2
• Online sessions:11
• Region:National
• Fee:Free for state-funded schools; £300 otherwise
• TSMA subsidy:2 x £200