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The University of Cambridge’s Underground Mathematics project aimed to make studying A level Mathematics a rich and stimulating experience.
The University of Cambridge’s Underground Mathematics project aimed to make studying A level Mathematics a rich and stimulating experience, enabling all students to explore the connections that underpin mathematics.
Background
Underground Mathematics is a collection of rich resources for teaching and learning A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics.
Funding
The University of Cambridge commissioned MEI to design and deliver an extensive programme of professional development to support and encourage the use of the Underground Mathematics resources in line with their design intentions.
Activities
Over the four years of the project, MEI worked in partnership with the Underground Mathematics team to develop a range of courses that focused on making effective use of the resources. In 2017 the course was adapted to support the overarching themes in the new mathematics A level: proof, problem solving and modelling. These courses were delivered at 50 locations throughout England.
Impact
Over 2000 teachers and trainees attended the courses. Here are some of the responses received to the question ‘What has made the greatest impression on you during the course?’:
A Fully Resourced Maths Curriculum from MEI and Oak National Academy
Since 2023, Oak National Academy worked with MEI’s primary and secondary teams to produce over 1,800 maths lessons.
mA*ths and Further mA*ths Programmes: How We Support Students to Achieve Top Grades at A level Mathematics
The programme is designed to develop the skills students need to achieve an A* in each A level and build their confidence to apply to university courses.
Integrating Mathematical Problem Solving in Post-16 Mathematics (2011-12)
The project aimed to improve the functionality of Integral, our online teaching and learning environment, for those who access the resources on mobile devices.
Critical Maths: A maths-based thinking curriculum for Level 3 (2012-2015)
The Critical Maths project aimed to develop a suitable mathematics-based curriculum for post-16 students who had succeeded at GCSE but were not intending to take A level Mathematics.
The Problem Solving Matters Programme (2016 – Present)
Problem Solving Matters is a course developed by MEI for students from state-funded schools and colleges who are preparing to take admissions tests for entrance to mathematics degree courses.
Nesta EdTech Research & Development programme (2021)
The project aimed to improve the functionality and ease of use of MEI’s Learning Platform, Integral, for those who access the resources on mobile devices.
Supporting Improvement in Maths Education Outcomes in Stoke-on-Trent (2016-2022)
MEI’s work in Stoke-on-Trent aimed to support improvements in maths education at all levels by working closely with local schools and colleges to properly understand their maths education provision and development needs.
Teaching Advanced Mathematics Professional Development (2003 – Present)
A case study that looks into the Teaching Advanced Mathematics (TAM) programme. The programme aims to support teachers of GCSE Mathematics who wish to teach A level Mathematics for the first time.
A new mathematics GCSE curriculum for post-16 resit students (2019-20)
In 2019, we were successfully granted funding from the Nuffield Foundation to create this project aimed to establish the feasibility of a new mathematics GCSE curriculum for post-16 resit students.
Further Mathematics Support Programme (2009–18)
The Further Mathematics Support Programme (FMSP) was a national programme to support state-funded schools and colleges to offer AS and A level Further Mathematics.
Underground Mathematics Professional Development (2014-2018)
The University of Cambridge’s Underground Mathematics project aimed to make studying A level Mathematics a rich and stimulating experience.
Institution of Engineering and Technology Resources (2017-18)
With funding from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), MEI produced a suite of resources to enrich mathematics education at Key Stages 4 and 5.