Suffolk Further Mathematics Centre

Following the successful 'Enabling Access to Further Mathematics' pilot project, run by MEI and funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, we have been awarded the funding for a centre in Suffolk

Mathematics, Engineering and Science degree courses often assume a level of mathematics fluency beyond that achieved by students who have completed A-level mathematics. 

Decline in the number of students taking A-level Further Mathematics. The main reasons for this decline are the expense of running small classes and the shortage of suitable qualified staff. 

There is a lack of equality of opportunity. Some students are fortunate enough to attend a school or college which offers Further Mathematics. Many do not.  

What are the aims of the Suffolk Further Mathematics Centre? 

To establish provision for Further Mathematics that will enable all schools and colleges in Suffolk to offer Further Mathematics tuition to their students.

To ensure that any student who would benefit from a Further Mathematics qualification has the opportunity to study Further Mathematics either in-house or through the centre.

To forge links between schools, colleges and High Education Institutions which will facilitate, improve and extend the local Further Mathematics provision.

To promote enthusiasm for Mathematics in young people with a view to increase the uptake of Mathematics and Further Mathematics at AS and A level, whilst encouraging more students to study Mathematics and mathematics-related subjects at university.  

How does the Suffolk Further Mathematics Centre Work?

The centre will employ a manager for 21/2 days per week. Funded initially for three years, the centre will act as an administrative base and will offer outreach support for students and departments in Suf­folk . The centre manager will support students with taught lessons, distance learning backup using MEl resources, run enrichment sessions for year 11 to encourage VI form uptake and link with univer­sity departments. The centre will aim to build on the network of specialist mathematics and computing schools in Suffolk .    

Available Support

The National picture for Further Mathematics is very encouraging with entries for Further Mathematics increasing by over 20%. May I remind you that the Centre is here to support you and your students, so if there are any students in your school who wish to do AS or A2 Further Mathematics and your department does not have the resources  to teach them, please contact me. Support could involve:

• The centre delivering the whole course
• Sharing the delivery with your staff (you do a module, we do a module)
• Half day support on specific areas of the specification to enhance your provision

All schools with sixth forms can now register with the Suffolk Further Mathematics Centre by completing the registration form Click here (link available at the bottom of the website).  This will then entitle you to support from the centre, invitation to revision days and activities, and access to all the Further Mathematics Network teaching materials, which includes all the Applied A level modules.

Can I remind you of the support and tutoring that can be provided by the Centre to enable more students to do Further Maths.

The Centre is available to support you in your delivery of Further Maths and enhance the opportunities available to your students. Don’t miss out. Please make use of this resource.