Aims
- Experience interesting and stimulating ways of teaching Further Mathematics
- Deepen your understanding of key topics in Further Mathematics
- Gain insight into supporting students with university admissions tests (selected sessions)
Who will benefit from attending?
These conferences are suitable for any teacher who is currently teaching AS or A level Further Mathematics, or who expects to do so in the near future.
We welcome first time or returning Further Mathematics Conference delegates. Every year offers something new, so please feel free to sign up if you have attended a previous conference.
Other information
You can access recordings of some sessions as well as copies of presentations and resources used at previous Further Mathematics conferences, dating back to 2019, by visiting our Further Mathematics conference materials page.
Eligibility
Due to the high demand for this conference we will only guarantee places to teachers in state-funded schools and colleges in England. Other teachers from the UK will be allocated places if there is capacity, and will be placed on a waiting list until shortly before the event. We are not accepting applications from teachers outside of the UK.
Cost
This conference is free of charge.
Study schedule
The 2023 London Conference will be held on Wednesday 29th November.
A sister event will be held in Manchester on the 25th, which you can find here.
Programme:
| 09.30 – 10.00 | Registration and refreshments |
| 10.00 – 10.10 | Welcome and Introduction |
| 10.10 – 11.10 | Parallel sessions 1 Introduction to Series | Advanced Distributions with Desmos | University Admissions Tests Update | Floyd's Algorithm |
| 11.10 – 11.30 | Break |
| 11.30 – 12.30 | Plenary: Mathematics Workout – exploring a selection of resources for encouraging and supporting students who might consider studying Mathematics at university |
| 12.30 – 13.20 | Lunch |
| 13.20 – 14.20 | Parallel sessions 2 Linking Complex Numbers & Matrices | Group Theory | Using Geogebra in Further Pure | Number Theory in University Admissions Tests |
| 14.20 – 14.40 | Break |
| 14.40 – 15.40 | Parallel sessions 3 Geometrical Approaches to Calculus | Elasticity | Setting Up & Maintaining Further Maths | Conic Sections by Paper Folding |
| 15.40 – 16.00 | Closing plenary |
Available Sessions:
| Session Number | Session Title | Session Description |
| 1 | Introduction to Series (Pure Maths) | The sums of integers, squares and cubes is one of the most accessible topics in AS Further Mathematics. In this session we will explore how to introduce this topic to students and how to make connections to other topics in Further Maths. This session is suitable for all teachers, including those new to teaching Further Mathematics. |
| 1 | Advanced Distributions with Desmos (Statistics) | Desmos is a powerful graphing tool that has functions which allow you to analyse real data and visualise distributions. In this session we will demonstrate how to use Desmos for a range of distributions, including the Binomial, Normal and Poisson distributions, the t-distribution and PDFs/CDFs. The focus of the session is on how to use the technology to support students developing their understanding. The required subject knowledge will be briefly reviewed, making the session suitable for anyone with familiarity with some of these distributions. Delegates will need a laptop, tablet or phone for this session. |
| 1 | University Admissions Tests Update | Since 2020 we have lost both STEP I and the TMUA. How can we support and stretch the students for whom these exams were intended, and help them and others access the MAT and STEP? |
| 1 | Floyd’s Algorithm (Discrete) | A very common real life question is “What is the shortest path from A to B?”. Whilst Dijkstra’s algorithm answers this question for one pair of vertices, Floyd’s algorithm finds the shortest distance and associated route for every pair of vertices in a network. As well as looking at the algorithm in detail, this session will review some differences in in how it has been presented in recent published materials. |
| 2 | Linking Complex Numbers & Matrices (Pure Maths) | In this session we will explore and discuss the interconnectedness of two fundamental topics that students meet when studying AS Further Mathematics. We will look at activities that both new and experienced teachers can use in the classroom for these topics. This session is suitable for teachers who have some basic familiarity with complex numbers and matrices: i.e. know how to add and multiply them. |
| 2 | Group Theory (Discrete) | Group Theory is great example of where Discrete and Pure maths intersect and the topic appears on both specifications. This session will focus on subject knowledge, however it will also highlight links to other areas of maths and applications of group theory. This session is suitable for teachers with no familiarity with Group Theory. |
| 2 | Using Geogebra in Further Pure | GeoGebra is a very powerful dynamic graphing tool that can be used to visualise many of the concepts in Further Maths such as complex numbers, matrices, 3D Geometry and polar curves. In this session we will explore how to use the GeoGebra app on phones, tablets or a browser to help your students develop their mathematical understanding. This session is suitable for all teachers of Further Mathematics. Delegates will need a laptop, tablet or phone for this session. |
| 2 | Number Theory In University Admissions Tests | There is very little Number Theory in the A level curriculum, but it is a common topic on University Admissions Tests. In this session we examine some typical questions and consider the key additional knowledge and skills needed by students. |
| 3 | Geometrical Approaches to Calculus (Pure Maths) | The calculus topics in Further Pure can appear very 'dry' to students. In this session we will demonstrate how some of the integration methods in A level Mathematics can be explored using geometry. This session is aimed at teachers who are already familiar with the calculus techniques in Further Pure. |
| 3 | Elasticity (Mechanics) | Elasticity is where the energy topic really gets interesting, as it is well suited to practical work and provides an opportunity for questioning that can challenge even the brightest student. This session will revisit ideas that have cropped up as components of previous conference sessions; we will do some experiments, make use of video footage and consider a graphical approach. The session will focus on pedagogy, but the required subject knowledge will be briefly reviewed, making the session suitable for anyone with some familiarity with the topic. |
| 3 | Setting Up & Maintaining Further Maths | There are many challenges and decisions faced by schools and colleges that offer, or would like to offer, AS or A level Further Mathematics. In this session we will discuss some approaches you can use to secure the place of Further Mathematics in your A level offer. We will also consider strategies for raising student participation and provide a further insight into the support offered by the AMSP. |
| 3 | Conic Sections by Paper Folding (Pure Maths) | In this session we will explore how parabolas, ellipses and hyperbolas can be generated by paper folding. We will also demonstrate how this can be modelled using GeoGebra and how the results can be generalised using algebra. This session is suitable for all teachers of Further Mathematics. |
Information about how to select your preferences will be sent closer to the event.
Key facts
- Reference:#11767
- Audience:Teachers
- Curriculum focus:A level Further Mathematics, University admissions tests
- Mathematical focus:Mechanics, Statistics, Pure, Discrete/decision maths, Problem solving, Use of technology
- Event format:Face-to-face
- Duration:1 day(s)
- Study days:1
- Region:National
- Start date:26 Jul 2023
- Fee:Free
Queries?
If you have any queries about this event, please do not hesitate to contact:
Teacher Support Team
[email protected]
01225 716494
