Overview
Our Further Mathematics Conferences explore engaging ways of teaching AS/A level Further Mathematics and provide insight into supporting students with university admissions tests.
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 are only able to guarantee places to teachers in state-funded schools and colleges in England. Other teachers from the UK will be added to a waiting list and may be allocated a place if there is capacity.
Cost
This conference is free of charge.
Study schedule
The conference will run on Thursday 27 November and be repeated on Friday 28 November. Information about the Thursday instance of the conference.
Programme
| 09.30 – 10.00 | Registration and refreshments |
| 10.00 – 10.30 | Welcome and Introduction |
| 10.30 – 11.30 | Parallel session 1 |
| 11.30 – 11.45 | Break |
| 11.45 – 12.45 | Plenary: Student journeys through integration (see below) |
| 12.45 – 13.30 | Lunch (provided) |
| 13.30 – 14.30 | Parallel session 2 |
| 14.30 – 14.45 | Break |
| 14.45 – 15.50 | Parallel session 3 |
Student journeys through integration (plenary): Integration appears in all specifications, from AS maths all the way through to admissions assessments for universities. This session explores the range of skills and experiences that students need to be successful at all levels.
Parallel sessions
Please make a note of your preference for each of the parallel sessions. You will be asked to select your preference for each session when you apply.
| Session | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1A | Unlocking the potential in the roots of polynomials topic | We will offer ideas on how to enhance the teaching of roots of polynomials, a topic that is very accessible to students, but sometimes considered quite dry. We will give ideas on rich discussion based starting points, ways to visualise the concepts and how to link to the complex number part of the syllabus. It would be useful for delegates to have a web-enabled screen device but no knowledge of graphing software is required. |
| 1B | Using technology to support hypothesis testing | Hypothesis testing occurs throughout statistics, but students often struggle to find critical values and p-values. In this session, we will explore how using Desmos and the effective use of a graphical calculator can help build understanding. We will explore a variety of different tests that students will meet in Further Maths. |
| 1C | Curiouser and curiouser | All mathematics begins with curiosity. How do we encourage students to be curious? This session explores a selection of resources, including admissions assessments, for developing curiosity and encouraging students to consider studying mathematics at university. |
| 2A | Unlocking the potential in the roots of polynomials topic | This is a repeat of session 1A - teachers should not choose this session twice. |
| 2B | Getting the most out of classroom activities in further mechanics | In this session we are going to focus on a range of familiar-style classroom activities and their use in further mechanics. We’ll be looking at a range of activities across several common further mechanics topics and exploring how we can use these to encourage deeper thinking and promote discussion in the classroom. Students can develop their understanding by completing tasks such as card sorts and matching, but how do you go about getting the most out of these? |
| 2C | Exploring matrices in GeoGebra | GeoGebra is a very powerful tool to support students’ understanding of matrices. In this session we’ll explore how dynamic visualisations of matrix multiplication and transformations can help unlock some difficult concepts for students. Delegates will need an internet-connected device such as a laptop, tablet or phone. |
| 3A | Tangent fields: Visualising differential equations | Tangent fields are a fantastic way of visualising first order differential equations and can give students a new perspective on general and particular solutions. In this session we’ll use both pen-and-paper and GeoGebra to explore separable variables, integrating factors and systems of differential equations. Delegates will need an internet-connected device such as a laptop, tablet or phone. |
| 3B | Introduction to discrete / decision maths | Discrete or decision maths (different names but similar content) has little prerequisite knowledge, making it easy to fit into FM schemes of work. Try a selection of activities that introduce some of the key ideas in a practical way. These activities are designed to inspire students at all levels, making them suitable for both first year FM lessons and sixth form open days/evenings. They are also accessible to teachers who have never met this content before! |
| 3C | From A level to TMUA – what extra do students need? | While A level students going into Year 13 will know the vast majority of content for the TMUA, there are some key extra things they will need to know. Examples include the converse and contrapositive of a statement as well as necessary and sufficient conditions. In this session we will present the differences and explore ways to introduce the extra concepts. No prior knowledge is required beyond an awareness of the A level Maths syllabus. |
Participant feedback
Lots of new ideas on how to make further maths more engaging and use visual representations for more complex concepts.
Really easy to take the resources back into the classroom. Everything really well explained and very engaging.
Useful to liaise with other teachers, lots of resources to look at afterwards and also to share. General excitement in the room about maths!
Key facts
- Reference:#14372
- 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
- Region:National
- Venue:NCVO - National Centre for Voluntary Organisations
Regents Wharf
8 All Saints Street
Islington
London
N1 9RL - Start date:28 Nov 2025
- Course times:10:00 - 15:50
- Fee:Free
Queries?
If you have any queries about this event, please do not hesitate to contact:
Teacher Support Team
[email protected]
01225 776 776
