The FMSP's Impact
Increasing the number of students taking Further Mathematics qualifications
The FMSP is the successor to the Further Mathematics Network (FMN). It continues the work of the FMN but but has greater emphasis on professional development (working closely with the NCETM), and a new role to support the teaching and learning of level 3 mathematics within diplomas.Over the life of the FM Network, from academic year 2004/5 to the end of academic year 2008/9, the numbers of students taking Further Mathematics qualifications in England rose dramatically. In round numbers, between 2004 and 2009, the number of students taking AS Further Mathematics has trebled, increasing from 3761 to 12710 and the number for A level Further Mathematics has roughly doubed, from 5443 to 10073. These increases are far greater than for any other mainstream subject.
This means that many more students are taking the opportunity to study Further Mathematics and so are better prepared for maths-related degree courses in areas such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and in finance/economics. See press releases
Influencing universities
In response to the increased numbers of students taking Further Mathematics, and the universal access to Further Mathematics tuition provided by the Further Mathematics Network, universities are now beginning to openly encourage prospective students to take Further Mathematics qualifications in preparation for degree courses in maths-rich subjects. Universities have always welcomed Further Mathematics, but in the past they could not openly encourage students to take it because tuition was not available in a large proportion of schools and colleges. See Universities'The Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Greenwich has always supported the work of the Further Mathematics Network, but we did not expect it to have such a positive effect on our own undergraduate intake. In the past only one or two, if any, of our intake would have Further Mathematics qualifications. This year, fifteen of our new undergraduates (out of fifty) have either AS or A Level Further Mathematics. This shows what a strong positive effect the Network is having on increasing the uptake of Further Mathematics and so improving the preparation of students going on to Mathematics or mathematicsrelated degrees.'
Tony Mann, Head of the department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Greenwich
More than 40 universities worked with their local Further Mathematics Network Centres, often acting as venues for enrichment events and revision days. These strong university links continue now that the FMN has been replaced by the FMSP.
Helping schools and colleges, students and teachers
The Further Mathematics Network made a significant impact through its wider work in supporting the teaching and learning of mathematics for 14-19 year olds. As well as improving students’ access to Further Mathematics by providing tutorial support to students in schools and colleges that cannot offer it, the Further Mathematics Network also enabled more schools and colleges to teach Further Mathematics themselves.'Thanks to the Further Maths Network, we have finally managed to get Further Maths back onto the timetable at Lymm. Numbers had dwindled so that classes were no longer viable, but in October 2002 it was arranged for one of our gifted mathematicians to be tutored via video-conferencing (during the pilot phase of the FM Network). We were then able to register with the Manchester centre in 2003. Since then numbers have gradually increased, we have moved from AS to A level and now have sufficient numbers to return to timetabled lessons in-house for year 12 in September 2007. Without the help and support of the FM Network this would not have been possible; the students have valued both the tuition and study/revision sessions available to them.'
Jean Helsby, Lymm High School
Building on this work, by encouraging and supporting schools and colleges to teach Further Mathematics themselves, is a major feature of the FMSP.
By July 2009 over 2000 schools and colleges hadregistered with the FM Network and so were receiving free access to extensive online resources and advice.
These registrations have been transeferred to the FMSP and the free access to resources will continue.
In addition to Further Mathematics tuition and support, the Further Mathematics Network also organised:
The FMSP is continuing this work, with an added emphasis on teachers' Professional Development.
Updated by CS 01/08/09
