Overview

A series of maths problem solving classes designed to develop students' problem solving skills so they have the confidence to apply for universities that include an admissions test (MAT or TMUA) as part of their offer.

These regular classes offer students the opportunity to develop their problem-solving skills by trying out challenging problems that require deep mathematical thinking, and so help them meet the challenges they may face in embarking on a maths-rich university course or career. The problems are fun and rewarding and attending the sessions will enrich a student's mathematical experience.  Students will look at problems from a range of sources including the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) used by Oxford University and Imperial College, London.

The course will comprise of 6 sessions, each lasting 2 hours and spread over 5 months.  The sessions take place on Saturday mornings.  In every session there will be some teaching, but you will also spend a considerable amount of each lesson tackling challenging questions.  In addition to tackling challenging maths questions, you will also have the opportunity to meet likeminded students from your own school as well as from other local schools. 

Aims

• To develop confidence in dealing with maths problems
• To develop students' resilience when attempting maths problems
• To provide information about the problem solving skills required in MAT and TMUA
• To give students the opportunity to attempt problems both in groups and on their own
• To give students the opportunity to think about how solutions to problems are presented
• To provide students with the opportunity to explore areas of maths not in the standard curriculum

Who will benefit from attending?

The classes are suitable for any A level Mathematics student with an enquiring mind who wishes to develop their problem solving ability at A level and beyond. The classes start when the students are towards the end of Year 12 and continue until October of Year 13.

They are particularly suitable for those students who are required to sit an admissions test (MAT or TMUA) as part of a university offer.

Content

Students attending the classes will encounter problems covering a variety of topics. These include:

• Algebra, polynomials and functions
• Reasoning, logic and proof
• Sequences and series
• Exponentials and logarithms 
• Curve sketching, identification and transformations
• Coordinate geometry
• Vectors
• Trigonometry
• Differentiation
• Integration

Materials and equipment

You will need a device to actively participate in the online sessions.  A microphone is a necessity and a camera is useful.  Ensure you have pen and paper to hand as well as an inquisitive mind!

Other information

The session dates are planned as follows:

1. 17-06-2023
     
2. 15-07-2023
     
3. 02-09-2023
     
4. 16-09-2023
     
5. 30-09-2023
     
6. 14-10-2023

Eligibility

PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE LOCALLY RUN AMSP SESSIONS FOR STUDENTS FROM STATE-FUNDED SCHOOLS FROM DORSET, SOUTH WILTSHIRE, SOMERSET AND THE SOLENT AREAS ONLY.

Key facts

• Reference:#11269
• Audience:Students
• Target year:Year 12, Year 13
• Curriculum focus:A level Mathematics, A level Further Mathematics
• Mathematical focus:Problem solving
• Format:Online
• Duration:Default Duration
• Region:South West
• Start date:17 May 2023
• Fee:Free