Further Mathematics Conference 2020 resources

During Spring term 2020, the AMSP held three one-day professional development and networking conferences, dedicated to the teaching of AS and A level Further Mathematics. It was designed to provide teachers with the opportunities to:

  • experience interesting and stimulating ways of introducing Further Mathematics topics in the classroom.
  • gain support in meeting the challenges of establishing and sustaining AS and A level Further Mathematics.
  • network and share ideas with fellow teachers

You can download the materials used within the respective sessions below. Some sessions are also available to view as a video presentation.

Conference Plenary

Information on the numbers of students taking A level Further Mathematics and details of some of the support offered by the AMSP, including FM videos.

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Teaching activities for vectors in Further Pure

A variety of activities for teaching vectors in Further Pure will be explored. This hands-on session is suitable for all teachers of Further Mathematics.

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Calculus in Further Maths: making connections with other topics (Pure)

The calculus topics in Further Pure can appear very 'dry' to students. In this session, we will demonstrate how connections can be made between some of the integration methods and other topics in A level Mathematics/Further Mathematics. This session is aimed at teachers who are already familiar with the calculus techniques in Further Pure.

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Complex numbers for beginners (Pure)

In this session, we will look at the basic concepts underpinning complex numbers and how you can introduce these ideas to your students. This session is aimed at teachers with limited experience of teaching Further Mathematics.

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Student use of technology for studying matrices (Pure)

In this session, we will investigate using scientific calculators, graphical calculators and GeoGebra for studying matrices.

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Analysing bivariate data (Statistics)

An exploration of approaches to teaching correlation and regression techniques using datasets.

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Getting a feel for Further Mechanics

In mechanics, students need a firm grasp of the fundamental concepts and a proper appreciation of the modelling process. In this session, we will look at how these apply as students move on from A level Mechanics to the content in the Further Mechanics specifications. We will also explore when to trust, and when to question, your instincts!

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Centre of mass: From balancing to sliding and toppling (Mechanics)

In this session we will use a variety of techniques, including easy to set up practical work, to explore ways of helping students to make sense of centre of mass. To get the most out of the session participants should already have some familiarity with the calculations required to find the centre of mass of a solid or a lamina.

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The maths in university admissions tests

Due to the decline in the number of students sitting AS level Mathematics, more universities are looking to admissions tests to make offers for their maths courses. In this session, we will focus on one of the newest tests, the TMUA, to look at what students should know, how they are expected to think and what the universities are looking for. The session will include several admissions tests problems to solve.

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Using GeoGebra to create teaching files for Further Mathematics

GeoGebra can be used to support the teaching of a large number of topics in Further Mathematics. In this session, we will demonstrate how to make files for use in the classroom as well as giving you an opportunity to try some for yourself.

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Introduction to the Simplex algorithm (Discrete Mathematics)

For linear programming problems in more than two variables, the Simplex algorithm is the standard method of solution. This algorithm is now a required topic within the discrete/decision mathematics content of the Further Mathematics specification for every awarding body. This session will be appropriate for teachers with some knowledge of graphical linear programming but who have never previously taught the Simplex method.

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Extending the Simplex algorithm (Discrete Mathematics)

The Simplex method can be adapted to deal with a range of more complex linear programming problems. Two-stage Simplex allows for the solution of cases where the origin is not in the feasible region. This session is appropriate for teachers with a sound grasp of basic Simplex or who have attended the previous session ‘Introduction to the Simplex Algorithm’.

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The importance of Further Mathematics

University perspective (Richard Elwes, University of Leeds)

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The importance of Further Mathematics

University perspective (Chris Saker, University of Essex/ Toby Rome, AMSP)

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Offering Further Mathematics

There are many challenges and decisions faced by schools and colleges that offer, or would like to offer, Further Mathematics. Although we don’t claim to have all the answers, this session will provide an opportunity to explore and discuss the different curriculum structures and options available. We will also consider strategies for raising student participation and provide further insight into the support offered by the AMSP.

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