Overview

Teaching Mechanics 1 (TM1) is an extended professional development course for teachers wishing to build their confidence in teaching mechanics. TM1 covers the mechanics content from all major specifications for AS/A level Mathematics.

TM1 consists of:

• Ten live online tutorials, plus an optional extra session for complete beginners
• Two compulsory study days
• Access to course-specific teaching and learning resources on Integral (MEI’s learning platform)
• Email support from a tutor and access to an online group forum

Towards the end of the course a short assignment is issued, for which support and guidance are provided. Course certificates will be available for those participants completing the assignment.

After TM1, participants have the opportunity to continue to TM2, which will further expand understanding of mechanics teaching and cover the mechanics content from AS/A level Further Mathematics.

Aims

• Gain a deeper understanding of the principles of mechanics
• Develop skills with mathematical modelling and problem solving
• Develop confidence with incorporating practical work into maths teaching
• Improve subject knowledge and build on pedagogical skills
• Link topics in mechanics with other areas of maths

Who will benefit from attending?

TM1 is designed for teachers who are currently teaching AS/A level Mathematics, or who wish to teach it at some point in the near future. 

Our extended courses enable teachers to broaden and deepen their subject, pedagogical and pedagogical content knowledge. This makes teachers better equipped to make links between topics, address students’ misconceptions and confidently challenge learners at all attainment levels. Our course aims and intended outcomes are consistent with the principles set out in the Education Inspection Framework.

Content

Live online sessions take place on Wednesdays (16:30 to 17:45); these are recorded and available for playback.

13 Sep 2023:  Introduction to teaching mechanics
20 Sep 2023:  Kinematics in one dimension
4 Oct 2023:  Introduction to forces and Newton's laws
11 Oct 2023:  Additional support for complete beginners in mechanics
18 Oct 2023:  Applications of forces and Newton's laws
8 Nov 2023:  Forces in two dimensions
22 Nov 2023:  Connected particles
6 Dec 2023:  Projectiles
13 Dec 2023:  Kinematics in two dimensions
10 Jan 2024:  Moments
24 Jan 2024:  Variable acceleration

At the two course study days these topics will be explored further, with a greater emphasis on pedagogy. There will also be opportunities to try out practical activities and consider the role of modelling in mechanics. Please see the study schedule section below for further information.

Materials and equipment

A computer with a reliable internet connection will be required to attend the online tutorials. In addition, a headset with a microphone is suggested to get the best experience.

Eligibility

Please note that all fee-paying places for this course have now been allocated, so we are now only accepting applications from teachers working in state-funded schools and colleges in England.

Cost

This course is free of charge to teachers working in state-funded schools and colleges in England. For others the course fee is £300.

Schools and colleges located in areas targeted for additional support (TSMAs) will receive a subsidy payment of £200 for each study day attended.

Study schedule

Study days

Study days are face-to-face events that take place from 10:00 to 16:00, with lunch and refreshments provided. Attendance at both days is expected.

Applicants will be asked to select their order of preference from the following options:

It may be possible to switch between groups once the course has started, subject to capacity. It is intended that this course will run again in spring / summer 2024 with a London weekday option.

Please note that although it is our intention to run these study days face-to-face, all events are subject to government restrictions and may be moved online if required. We therefore advise against making non-cancellable travel arrangements.

FAQs

Do I need to have taught A level Mathematics before doing the TM1 course?

There is no requirement that applicants have taught A level Mathematics before undertaking TM1.

How much time will I need to devote to studying?

It is difficult to be specific as this will depend on previous experience. In the past, participants have reported spending between one and four hours studying each week. We appreciate that most teachers have workloads that make regular study difficult, so the course is designed with flexibility in mind. We do ask that you have caught up with recordings of any missed sessions prior to attending study days.

It is not our usual policy to allow teachers to enrol on more than one extended course (TAM, TFM, TM, TS, TD) at the same time. Please contact us before making multiple course applications.

Do I have to hand in any work during the course?

The TM1 assignment is the only work that delegates hand in. To receive a certificate at the end of your TM1 course you will need to submit and pass the TM1 assignment. Certification is optional but we strongly encourage you to submit an assignment anyway to help you consolidate what you have learnt. In the past most teachers have chosen to submit an assignment.

Where do study days take place?

We vary face-to-face study day locations. Recently study day locations have included London, Coventry, Manchester or Leeds.

Participant feedback

The best CPD I have had in over 30 years of teaching. Excellent webinars, fantastic practical face to face sessions and a really enjoyable and useful assignment.

I genuinely had a light bulb moment (or several) today! I'm buzzing...

I was terrified by mechanics, but now I love it.

The whole course (online and face-to-face) is outstanding. All A level teachers should do this course.

Key facts

• Reference:#11333
• Audience:Teachers
• Curriculum focus:A level Mathematics
• Mathematical focus:Mechanics
• Event format:Blended
• Duration:6 month(s)
• Study days:2
• Online sessions:10
• Region:National
• Start date:13 Sep 2023
• Fee:Free for state-funded schools; £300 otherwise
• TSMA subsidy:2 x £200