London
Wednesday 05 June 2013

Download Mathematics brochure

Course Description and Aims

Many students find the transition from AS level Mathematics to A2 difficult and do not perform to the best of their ability.  This course unpicks the best ways to boost achievement of lower ability students through focused teaching, careful monitoring and tailored support.  The course will provide teachers with useful materials to use in their day to day lessons, straightforward tools for identifying students who are having difficulty and ideas for helping struggling students.

What are the benefits of attending this course?

Teachers attending this course will feel more confident in:

• Identifying those topics which cause less able students the most difficulty
• Managing the transition of less able students from AS level to A2 level Mathematics
• Tracking students’ progress to identify problems as, and when they occur
• Providing tailored support for any students struggling with a topic
• Teaching the difficult topics to lower ability students
• Planning their teaching to support the less able students in a group
• Preparing students to obtain the highest grades possible commensurate to their ability

Who should attend?

Any A level Mathematics teacher who wishes to learn how to support their less able students

Resources & Materials

• On arrival at this course you will receive a specially prepared file containing detailed notes, teaching materials and resources which will be of immediate practical benefit in the classroom
• You will also receive a full set of additional resources electronically

Course Leader: Phil Chaffé

Phil Chaffé is the West Midlands Area Coordinator of the Further Mathematics Support Programme.  He has wide experience of A level Mathematics teaching.  Phil has organised revision days for AS and A2 mathematics modules at Warwick University and has vast experience in professional development courses for Teachers.  He is experienced and knowledgeable about current initiatives in post-16 mathematics and is well placed to discuss their implications for teaching and learning.

Programme

10.00 – 11.15am: Hitting the ground running: successful transition of lower ability students to A2 level

• What to do after AS levels are complete
• The skills that are needed to make a successful start to A2 level mathematics
• Developing the essential skills needed to start the A2 course
• Preparing lower ability students for the challenge of the A2 course
• Materials and ideas that ensure a good start

11.15 – 11.30am: Discussion: coffee break

11.30 – 12.30pm: Picking up the problems: identifying when and where lower ability students struggle at A2

• Anticipating problems and preparing for difficulties
• Spotting problems by everyday classroom monitoring
• Diagnostic activities and instant troubleshooting
• Dealing with deep seated problems

12.30 – 1.30pm: Lunch and informal discussion

1.30 – 2.45pm: Materials and methods: teaching the difficult topics to lower ability A2 students

• Teaching to promote confidence and fluency in algebra
• Providing focused support for those struggling with algebra
• Teaching to promote confidence and fluency in trigonometry
• Providing focused support for those struggling with trigonometry
• Introducing vectors to lower ability students
• Materials and ideas to develop the key skills

2.45 – 3.00pm: Discussion: afternoon tea

3.00 – 3.45pm: Preparing lower ability students for examinations

• Breaking revision down into suitable sections for weaker students
• Providing appropriate revision materials and support for weaker students
• Preparing students for the ‘unexpected’ exam questions

“Excellent – lots of good ideas to take away and share.  Well presented and accessible.”
February 2013