The FMSP is supporting level 3 diploma learners with their mathematics.

There is mathematics in several diploma lines of learning including IT, Construction and the Built Environment (CBE), and Engineering.

The level 3 Engineering Diploma includes a mathematics unit in its principal learning component. This unit is called Mathematical Techniques and Applications for Engineers. There is also a level 3 additional specialist learning (ASL) unit for the Engineering Diploma called Mathematics for Engineering.

The FMSP’s remit is to support diploma practitioners in the following ways:

To provide expert advice to teachers and lecturers

FMSP Area Coordinators (ACs) in each government region are available to give free support and advice about level 3 mathematics to practitioners in their region. Contact details for Richard Browne, the national coordinator for this strand of work, and the 20 ACs may be found below.

Encouraging support networks for those teaching diplomas

The FMSP, through its partner, the NCETM, is setting up local networks for diploma teachers and will provide advice on how these should operate. Diploma teachers will be able to bid for NCETM Teacher enquiry grants which will be available in 2010. FMSP ACs are using the line of learning communities on www.diploma-support.org to:

• stimulate and encourage discussion about mathematical elements of diploma delivery
• offer solutions to issues raised by practitioners online
• support those practitioners who request face to face meetings to mentor them
• post any resources that may arise from those meetings which are applicable to other practitioners

Developing an online VLE for the specialist mathematics in the level 3 Engineering Diploma

The FMSP has compiled online resources for the compulsory mathematics unit in the level 3 engineering diploma, Mathematical Techniques and Applications. These resources cover all the content, whichever exam specification is being used, and include signposts for users indicating which content is relevant to each specification. We will make these resources available to schools and colleges that register with the FMSP. Registration is free and may be done easily online at www.furthermaths.org.uk/register.php

Piloting support for the teaching and learning of the ASL mathematics unit in the level 3 Engineering Diploma

FMSP ACs are keen to support and work with practitioners teaching the ASL unit Mathematics for Engineering, with a view to developing a package of teaching and learning materials that will include an online VLE, tailored to the needs of teachers and learners on the Mathematics for Engineering course. Part of this work will involve developing exemplars of mathematics being used in real world applications, often in the workplace, to motivate and contextualise learning.

Developing a CPD course specifically aimed at enhancing the skills of those who will be teaching level 3 mathematics within diplomas and embedding these in practice

Working with the NCETM, the FMSP will create a CPD course specifically aimed at developing the skills of those who will be teaching the level 3 mathematics in diplomas and embedding these in practice. The NCETM self-evaluation tools will be developed to include bespoke tools for diploma teachers.

FMSP Area Coordinators are mathematics experts who are available to support mathematics teaching in diplomas, in all the ways mentioned above.

updated by RB 24 May.