COURSE OVERVIEW
Build confidence and expertise in teaching mechanics at AS/A level with this expert-led professional development course.
Teaching Mechanics 1 is designed for teachers who are already teaching A level Mathematics, or who are preparing to teach it in the near future.
Over six months, the course supports teachers to strengthen both subject knowledge and develop effective pedagogical approaches to mechanics.
The course provides the opportunity to:
- develop an understanding of core mechanics topics across all major specifications
- explore teaching strategies to address common student misconceptions
- make connections across topics and the wider curriculum
- confidently support and challenge students across a range of attainment levels
Towards the end of the course, a short, supported assignment is set to consolidate learning.
An additional online session is available for teachers brand new to mechanics. This is an opportunity to further explore key underlying principles and concepts covered in the first few weeks to help consolidate learning.
10 online sessions and 2 in-person study days
Teachers will take part in ten online sessions (75-90 minutes) and two compulsory in-person study days, held at selected locations, enabling collaborative working and the sharing of classroom practice.
The course includes high-quality course-specific teaching and learning resources via MEI’s learning platform, Integral. Plus ongoing tutor support via email and an online discussion forum.
All online sessions are recorded and available for playback.
Please note: before applying, teachers should ensure they are able to attend the study days.
Summary
| Format | Blended |
| Audience | Teachers |
| Duration | 6 Months |
| Sessions | 10 |
| Time: | Various |
| Cost | Free to state-funded teachers; £495 otherwise |
The course runs twice per year, starting in September and January.
Curriculum: AS/A level Mathematics
Focus: Mechanics, Subject Knowledge, Pedagogy
Important information before enrolling on this course
The Teaching A level Mechanics course is structured as a two-part programme.
Teaching Mechanics 1 (TM1) covers the mechanics content from all major specifications for AS/A level Mathematics.
Teaching Mechanics 1 (TM2) builds on this foundation by extending subject knowledge to include AS/A level Further Mathematics content.
In order to enrol on the TM2 course, participants should have a reasonable understanding of the mechanics content of AS/A level Mathematics, ideally through having completed TM1, though this is not compulsory.
Teachers who complete TM1 have the option to progress to TM2 at a later date, though this is not compulsory.
Teaching Mechanics 2 (TM2)
Extend your expertise in teaching mechanics across all major specifications for AS/A level Further Mathematics.
What you will learn
Gain a deeper understanding of core mechanics concepts, and develop strategies to deliver engaging, coherent lessons that challenge students, address misconceptions, and support equitable learning outcomes.
Build confidence and expertise
Through ongoing support and guidance from maths experts, teachers develop confidence in teaching mechanics at AS/A level using proven methods.
Deepen subject knowledge
Strengthen knowledge of core mechanics topics, explore key principles, and make connections across topics and the wider curriculum.
Apply effective teaching strategies
Enhance your teaching by exploring how practical work, modelling and problem solving can be used effectively in mechanics.
“The best CPD I have had in over 30 years of teaching. Excellent webinars, fantastic practical face to face sessions and a really enjoyable and useful assignmentctually made me think about how to deliver a subject rather than just teach from the book.”
“I genuinely had a light bulb moment (or several) today! I’m buzzing…”
“I was terrified by mechanics, but now I love it“
“The whole course (online and face-to-face) is outstanding. All A level teachers should do this course.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Your common questions and concerns answered
Teachers already teaching A level Mathematics, or who are preparing to teach it in the near future. You do not need prior experience in teaching mechanics to take part in this course.
The DfE provides funding so that places on this course are free to teachers from state-funded schools and colleges in England. For those who do not meet this criterion, the course fee applies.
Priority will be given to teachers in state-funded schools and colleges in England. Where we have spare capacity, we extend our support to other teachers and operate a waiting list.
It is difficult to be specific as this will depend on previous experience. In the past, participants have reported typically spending 1-4 hours per week on study. The course is flexible, but teachers should catch up on any missed online sessions before attending study days.
No, due to the time commitment, teachers cannot enrol on more than one Extended Course at the same time.
No, MEI will provide you with Integral access to the relevant course materials, and you will have access to these for two years.
When a course is open for applications, please click the Application button on this page to apply. You will need to create a myMEI account if you don’t already have one. You will need to select the event you wish to attend from the registration form.
As part of the AMSP, you can also register for free resources via MEI’s Integral learning platform.
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