the Further Mathematics network Let Maths take you Further…

the Further Mathematics network The Further Mathematics Network Let Maths take you Further…

What is Further Mathematics? Further Mathematics is a separate AS/A-level qualification, designed to be taken alongside AS/A-level Mathematics. It both broadens and deepens AS/A-level Mathematics.

Why is supporting Further Mathematics important? Further Mathematics is useful for all students who wish to study for degrees in maths-related subjects. Further Mathematics is crucial to stretch, inspire and differentiate between the most mathematically able. Between 1980 and 2004 A-level Further Mathematics entries fell from to 5000.

How did the Further Mathematics Network start? In the mid 1990s, a classroom teacher suggested that MEI should investigate ways to address poor access to Further Mathematics. MEI sought funding to set up a pilot project, which was secured from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation.

How did the Further Mathematics Network start? Work began in summer 2000, with initial Lead Centres at the University of Warwick and St Thomas More Comprehensive School in Gateshead. By 2005, at the end of the pilot, there were 11 Lead Centres. Schools, colleges, LAs and universities were working together to support local students.

How did the Further Mathematics Network start? During the pilot period MEI developed a blended learning strategy involving: extensive online teaching and learning resources class teaching independent learning lectures and revision days (to large groups, often held at universities) video conferencing

Outcomes from the pilot Clear evidence that every student could be given access to Further Mathematics. A proven tutoring system that could be adapted to meet local circumstances. Excellent results for students. Raised awareness of the importance of Further Mathematics.

How did the Further Mathematics Network start? Following Professor Adrian Smiths Inquiry into Post-14 Mathematics Education, MEI was granted DfES funding to expand and develop the pilot into a national Further Mathematics Network. The Further Mathematics Network was launched in Spring 2005.

The Further Mathematics Network The Network consists of 46 regional Centres that cover England. The Centres involve schools, colleges, Local Authorities and universities working together. All schools and colleges are encouraged to engage by registering with their local Centre.

Mission statement The Further Mathematics Network aims to give every student who could benefit from studying Further Mathematics the opportunity to do so. The Further Mathematics Network will work to increase the number of students studying AS/A- level Mathematics and Further Mathematics. The Further Mathematics Network aims to provide training and support to teachers of AS/A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics.

The Further Mathematics Network The network in England is made up of 46 regional Further Maths Centres = Existing centres from pilot = Starting this term = New FM Centres 2005/6

Targets from the proposal to DfES MeasureHigh TargetActual FM Centres by Sept Students tutored (Academic year 05/6) 175over 500 Schools/colleges registered (Academic year 05/6) 150over 600

Is it working? A-level FM increase AS-level FM increase Proportion of A-level Maths taking A-level FM England 23.5%25.1%1 in 7 Wales and NI combined 4.6%12.7%1 in 14 Figures from this summer

What have we achieved so far? The Further Mathematics Network makes it possible for every student in England to study Further Mathematics and have the chance to develop their mathematical potential fully.

More schools and colleges offer Further Mathematics Where are we going? There is still much to be done. More students take Further Mathematics More Universities encourage students to take Further Mathematics Students are better prepared for maths-related degrees and more students choose them The Further Mathematics Network

What will it mean? All students will have the chance to fully develop their mathematical potential. There will be more well-qualified students equipped to work in engineering, sciences, technology, social sciences and finance, so making a crucial contribution to our economy.

"We welcome the increased numbers of young people studying maths at AS and A level - and encourage them to go on to study maths and mathematics-related degrees. However, we need to increase still further the numbers studying maths and further maths in order to meet the skills challenges ahead. Demand for jobs with Science, Engineering and Technology skills is set to grow by 2.4 million by 2014 – and all these jobs require maths skills. Highly numerate disciplines are in great demand from employers – young people with maths qualifications will find that their degrees can open doors to exciting and rewarding careers." Susan Anderson, Director HR Policy, CBI Let Maths take you Further… "We welcome the increased numbers of young people studying maths at AS and A level - and encourage them to go on to study maths and mathematics-related degrees. However, we need to increase still further the numbers studying maths and further maths in order to meet the skills challenges ahead. Demand for jobs with Science, Engineering and Technology skills is set to grow by 2.4 million by 2014 – and all these jobs require maths skills. Highly numerate disciplines are in great demand from employers – young people with maths qualifications will find that their degrees can open doors to exciting and rewarding careers." Susan Anderson, Director HR Policy, CBI

the Further Mathematics network Let Maths take you Further…