NCETM CPD Conference Engaging with Mathematics: A journey for teachers, learners and families Nottingham, Tue. 1 st Dec Improving the Success Rate in AS Mathematics: Sharing our Experience at Long Road SFC: LSIS STEM Action Research Project. Stephen Warr Course Team Leader for AS/A2 Maths Long Road Sixth Form College Cambridge

Large SFC with over 2000 students. Wide range of Level 2 and 3 courses across college: 40 AS/A2-Levels 6 National/Level 3 Diploma Courses 15 GCSE & Level 2 Diploma Courses Our students need at least 5 GCSE’s at grade C for most AS-levels. Maths and the sciences require a GCSE grade B in these subjects.

Ensuring AS Maths is an appropriate course Students come from over 30 schools and colleges. Many have not always had good advice about AS Maths. Success rate in AS Maths rapidly fell to 39% in About 50% of AS cohort have a GCSE grade B. Open evenings and Year 10 taster days insufficient to ensure that students had received appropriate guidance before starting the course.

CCIS provided a spreadsheet with info on around 250 students made a provisional offer to do Maths or Use of Maths. In May, letters sent to students with dedicated address to book places. Around 80 apply. Second letter sent to parents and 161 students attended one of 6 induction sessions in June/July. Year 11 Induction Sessions

PhotosPhotos from Year 11 induction

96% said that the induction had given them a better idea of what AS maths would be like. 78% expect to find the AS course very difficult. 20% felt that GCSE had not effectively prepared them for the course. 67 students with provisional offers did not start a Level 3 Maths course. In September, 60 students who were not invited to induction, doing Level 3 Maths course. Year 11 Induction Sessions

Ensure students make an informed choice to do a course they can successfully complete.

5 Week Induction Period AS Mathematics Induction Booklet.

5 Week Induction Period Diagnostic assessment during the first lesson.

5 Week Induction Period Question level profile built up for each class. Students identified as “at risk” if assessment shows basic algebra skills not well developed. All AS students have a 45 minute workshop on their timetable at the START of the year.

Intervention strategy: 1)“At risk” student put on compulsory workshop for a term. 2)Parents and tutors informed. 3)Attendance monitored and followed-up. 4)Students expected to complete Maths work outside of class. 5)Effective liaison between class teachers, course team leaders, tutors, senior tutors and the faculty head. 5 Week Induction Period

“We’re always encouraged to work well, and there are loads of workshops and extra stuff”. “All the workshops are very helpful, I feel that I can talk to my teacher about any problems I might have”. “I think that compulsory workshops for people who need them work well”. “I like Maths a lot and have enjoyed learning new areas, finding it a tough but rewarding challenge. Some quotes from our students

Diagnostic assessment as base line to monitor students progress. Intervention strategy. Workshops effective in a large department.

Structuring the course Weekly objectives for entire AS/A2 course laid out in 4 separate Moodle pages. This is our VLE.

Structuring the course Students need to do Mathematics outside of class. Homework booklets for all modules, teachers answer packs and class sets of answer packs. Questions and solutions on the VLE. Provide overview of the course, VLE and paper.overview of the course Mathematics assessment criteria for staff to mark workMathematics assessment criteria and students to peer mark. Effective ways of recording students’ work.recording students’ work Use of objectives sheets to record work done in lessons.objectives sheets

Tracking and monitoring progress Assessment after 5 weeks of Core 1 work (early Oct). Formal Mock examination in the hall. One 90 minute session in each of the 4 option blocks during the day (late Nov). Question level analysis for all classes, as before. Maintain intervention strategy: log of weekly workshop attendance, with follow-up as required. Follow-up so HW is completed.

Structure of entire course in place at the start of the year. Students like an overview of the course. Regular homework, encourage lots of peer marking