Overview

Teaching Further Mathematics 2 (TFM2) is an extended professional development course for teachers wishing to develop their own subject knowledge and classroom practice in teaching A level Further Mathematics. It covers the pure material common to all A level Further Mathematics specifications.

TFM2 consists of:

• 9 live online tutorials
• Two compulsory study days
• Reference texts to support your studies
• 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

Participants will have the option to certificate by submitting an assignment at the end of the course.

TFM2 is the second unit of the TFM course. In order to enrol on the TFM2 unit, participants must have already completed the first unit, TFM1.

Aims

• Gain a deep understanding of the mechanics content in A level Further Mathematics
• Develop confidence and skills to teach further mechanics, focusing on subject knowledge and effective pedagogy
• Explore connections with other areas of mathematics
• Develop strategies for addressing key misunderstandings

Who will benefit from attending?

TFM2 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

The TFM2 unit follows on from the TFM1 unit. Together the two units cover the pure maths content common in A level Further Mathematics specifications.

Live online sessions take place on Wednesdays (16:30 to 17:45); these are recorded and available for playback.

Wed 6 Mar:  Polar coordinates
Wed 20 Mar:  Further integration
Wed 17 Apr:  Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
Wed 1 May:  Three dimensional vector geometry
Wed 15 May:  First order differential equations
Wed 5 Jun:  Second order differential equations
Wed 17 Jun:  Applications of differential equations
Wed 3 Jul:  Number theory
Wed 17 Jul:  Group theory

At the two course study days these topics will be explored further, with a greater emphasis on pedagogy. There will also be opportunities to consider how the use of technology can support teaching and learning. 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 previously completed TFM1.

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.

Applicants will be asked to select their order of preference from the following options:

It may be possible to switch between groups once the course has started, subject to capacity. 

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

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.

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.

We vary face-to-face study day locations. Recently study day locations have included London, Coventry and Manchester.

Participant feedback

Thanks for a great course, I have learnt a lot and am looking forward to trying some of the ideas out this year.

Genuinely been so impressed with TFM1&2 and have loved taking part. My teaching is heaps better for it.

Actually made me think about how to deliver a subject rather than just teach from the book.

The course was fantastic and I have used so many of the resources.

...it was nice to spend a day on maths with like-minded people.

Key facts

• Reference:#12332
• Audience:Teachers
• Curriculum focus:A level Further Mathematics
• Mathematical focus:Pure
• Format:Blended
• Duration:6 months
• Study days:2
• Online sessions:9
• Region:National
• Fee:Free for state-funded schools; £300 otherwise
• TSMA subsidy:2 x £200