Aiming for A* in Pearson A-Level Maths

ABOUT THIS COURSE

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

• Increase awareness of what teachers should aim to achieve with the most able mathematicians.
• Develop greater understanding of what examiners are looking for in Grade A* responses
• Learn how to develop resilience so that talented Maths students achieve their A* potential
• Focused on identifying the demands of A* Grades and providing materials to help teachers prepare students effectively
• A detailed look at the different demands of questions

PROGRAMME

Challenging Our Most Able Students

• Who are our most able students and why do we have to challenge them?
• Key attributes of Grade A & A* students in the classroom and how to identify these students
• Exam Feedback: what does it tell us about the standards set for the top learners? How can we teach to this effectively?
• Using the structure of the specification to plan for success

Break

Focus On Assessment Demands for A* Students

• Examine the assessment demands of all components including the use of assessment objectives as a framework for assessment
• Consider the most effective models for delivery of the course to ensure effective assessment
• Feedback and grading analysis from the most recent exam. What is required for A*?
• Grades A & A*: what are the differences between these?
• Analysis of mark schemes – which sections/questions differentiated candidates?

The Key Challenges for A* Students in the Papers

• Developing high end skills and a deep understanding of core Maths concepts
• Which skills are the very hardest for A-Level mathematicians?
• Applying Maths concepts to consistently reach into the top bands
• Activating prior knowledge to improve retention of key topic areas
• Avoiding potential hazards: what can cost a top student their A grade?

Lunch

Stretching and Challenging the Most Able Students

• Moving on from GCSE approaches – encouraging students to become sensitive readers
• What makes a strong A-Level mathematician? How can we build up to this?
• Working up to full past papers, and using them effectively to stretch students
• Planning with and designing support for students aiming for top grades
• Extra-curricular ideas that help get A* grades

Break

Exam Tactics For Achieving The Highest Grades

• What are the biggest challenges of the course for the A/A* learner?
• Retention, recall and deployment. Hints for coverage of key content.
• The short mark questions: what are the potential pitfalls?
• Varying response practice to stretch the most able
• Revision ideas to help students practice

Depart