Overview

Discrete maths features in all AS/A level Further Mathematics specifications, albeit under different titles:

• Discrete Mathematics - AQA and OCR A
• Decision Mathematics - Edexcel
• Modelling with Algorithms - OCR B (MEI)

Teaching Discrete Mathematics (TD) is an extended professional development course for teachers wishing to build their confidence in teaching this content, and covers the discrete maths material common to multiple A level Further Mathematics specifications.

TD consists of:

• 11 live online tutorials
• Two compulsory study days
• Access to course-specific teaching and learning resources on Integral (MEI’s learning platform)
• Email support from tutors 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.

Aims

• Gain a deeper understanding of the application of algorithms to a wide range of problems
• Develop skills with using standard algorithms to solve optimisation problems
• Develop confidence in incorporating practical work within maths teaching
• Improve subject knowledge and build on pedagogical skills
• Link topics in discrete maths with other areas of maths

Who will benefit from attending?

TD is designed for mathematics teachers who are new to teaching discrete/decision mathematics, or those that have previously taught these topics but wish to develop their practice. 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 Thursdays (16:30 to 17:45); these are recorded and available for playback. Although we encourage live attendance when possible, there is no expectation on teachers to study topics not on their specification. The provisional schedule is as follows:

Thu 25 Sep:  Course introduction and graph theory
Thu 9 Oct:  Further graph theory
Thu 23 Oct:  Algorithms on networks 1: Kruskal's, Prim's and Dijkstra's algorithms
Thu 6 Nov:  Algorithms on networks 2: Route inspection and travelling salesperson
Thu 20 Nov:  Critical path analysis
Thu 4 Dec:  Algorithms: General principles, sorting and packing
Thu 11 Dec:  Network flows
Thu 8 Jan:  Linear programming 1: Graphical method
Thu 22 Jan:  Linear programming 2: The simplex algorithm
Thu 29 Jan:  Further simplex
Thu 12 Feb:  Game theory

At the two course study days there will be further exploration of topics common to all specifications, with a greater emphasis on pedagogy.

For further information about the study days, please see the 'Study schedule' section below.

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

Priority will be given to teachers working in state-funded schools and colleges in England. Please note that the course capacity is limited and places are allocated with the expectation that teachers will attend both study days. Please do not apply for this course unless you are prepared to commit to attending the study days.

A limited number of places are available for teachers working outside the state-funded sector in England; once these places have been allocated, applicants from this group will be added to a waiting list.

Cost

This course is free of charge to teachers working in state-funded schools and colleges in England. For others the course fee is £495.

Study schedule

Study days

Study days are face-to-face events that start at 10:00 and finish by 16:00, with lunch and refreshments provided.

Participants are expected to attend both face to face study days. Before applying, please ensure that you will be able to organise any necessary supply cover.

Applicants will be asked to select one of the following two options:

Please note that although it is our intention to run these study days face-to-face, exceptional circumstances may require events to be moved online. We therefore advise against making non-cancellable travel arrangements.

FAQs

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

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.

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

Participant feedback

Practical activities to use immediately with students. Linked well to all specifications. Chance to ask questions in a friendly atmosphere.

[It was] very interactive and very fun. Full of ideas to be used in the classroom.

Doing the practical activities at the study days and working with other people on the course helped to consolidate the learning, with the tutors around to help and support when stuck.

I was worried I would be out of my depth, but all was accessible.

Key facts

• Reference:#14259
• Audience:Teachers
• Curriculum focus:A level Further Mathematics
• Mathematical focus:Discrete/decision maths
• Event format:Blended
• Duration:6 months
• Study days:2
• Online sessions:11
• Region:National
• Venue:Online classroom and study days in London or Manchester
• Start date:25 Sep 2025
• Course times:16:30 - 17:45
• Fee:Free for state-funded schools; £495 otherwise