The AMSP aims to increase the number of students studying AS/A level Mathematics, Further Mathematics and level 3 Core Maths.
The transition from GCSE is often challenging for some students so it’s crucial that Key Stage 4 students feel confident in their understanding of maths so that they feel well prepared for further study post-16.
Supporting students’ transition to A level Mathematics
The AMSP has two resources to help students to consolidate the skills and topics learned at GCSE in preparation for A level study.
Who is this support for?
Year 11 students who intend to study maths at A level.
What is it?
Six sets of resources, each focused on consolidating an essential cross-topic skill from Higher Tier GCSE Mathematics. Each set of resources contains basic skills checks, problems to explore and enrichment and extension activities.
How is it designed to be used?
Originally the resources were designed for students to work through independently as part of a consolidation programme when they were not able to attend school. Alternatively, you can now direct the use of these resources with your students. Printable offline versions are now also available.
Who is this support for?
Year 11 students in preparation for studying A level Mathematics. New Year 12 students at the beginning of their A level Mathematics course.
What is it?
A free, online, interactive course that aims to give students the confidence that they are ready to start A level Mathematics. The course covers the topics that are of most value at the beginning of the A level course and aims to improve understanding – not just fluency with skills – by delving deeper into GCSE content.
How is it designed to be used?
The course is designed for students to work through by themselves without input from a teacher over the summer between Years 11 and 12. Students can continue to access the resources and work through the topics to support them at the start of Year 12. Each of the seven topics is structured in the following way:
- Chapters containing videos and activities
- An assessment – scores will appear on a certificate of completion
- Going deeper – optional material to give students a head start at A level
How do you access it?
This course is hosted in Integral and requires an individual login to gain access and allow progress to be tracked.
There are two ways to get access:
- Teachers can sign up their students by completing this simple form.
- Students can register for free access themselves, if they are not signed up by a school or college. Applications are open from 1 May to 31 October.
In order for schools/colleges to access the Transition to A level course developed by the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme (AMSP) please ensure your school/college is registered with the AMSP for 2023/24. Registering with the AMSP is free of charge, and you will receive confirmation of your registration once you have signed up. Teachers in AMSP-registered schools/colleges can also access the course (and view its content) using the school/college’s shared Integral account.
Which course is right for me and my students?
The Essential Skills materials have an emphasis on the algebraic fluency that is needed at A level and should look and feel very familiar for GCSE students. They also include enrichment activities to motivate students and to demonstrate how maths is fun, interesting, and important in the real world.
The Transition to A level Mathematics course looks at GCSE Mathematics from an A level perspective. It starts with some fundamental ideas met quite early in GCSE Mathematics; then, through developing a deep understanding of the topics covered, it leads students on to gain a real insight into how these topics are developed at A level.
You can also read what teachers have to say about the resources and how they have successfully used them.
Supporting students’ transition to Core Maths and other post-16 courses
The mathematical content of post-16 courses can prove challenging to many students. Sometimes this is due to the applied nature of the mathematical content of such courses. The AMSP has produced a Core Maths Skills course to provide a good foundation for students planning to take a level 3 Core Maths qualification that will also help bridge the gap between GCSE Mathematics and post-16 courses.
Core Maths Skills course
An online self-study course which is designed to support students with the transition to Year 12 to study Core Maths, Biology, Geography and/or Psychology
Transition Projects
Watch our Transition Projects video from MEI Inspired 2022 to learn more about each of the different courses we have available
Other support
As their teacher, you’re in a great position to help them understand and engage with the opportunities available to them. Here are some suggestions to help you.
Why study maths?
New for 2023
Now includes our latest collection of short videos that answer the question “Why Maths?”?
A range of resources that you can use to promote the level 3 maths qualifications that your school offers to students and parents.
Inspire your students
If your students are going to want to choose to continue to study maths, they need to be enthusiastic about the subject. We organise a large programme of enrichment activities to inspire them.
Taster sessions
There are two lessons for each qualification: A level Mathematics, A level Further Mathematics, and Core Maths. Each lesson has a short introductory video followed by an interactive Desmos activity that you can complete at home or in school.
Advanced Maths qualifications
Your students need to be aware of the full range of advanced maths qualifications and the benefits of taking them. We’ve provided these details for them to access themselves.
Experiences of advanced maths
This series of videos features students who’ve studied A level maths. They share their experiences of studying maths at A level, and why maths was a vital step in their journey to university and pursuing their chosen career path.
Maths: Opening the door to your future
This leaflet explores the post-16 maths qualifications available to students, to help them decide which one is best.