The Further Mathematics Network's Impact
Increasing the number of students taking Further Mathematics qualifications
Since the FM Network started up in academic year 2004/5 the numbers of students taking Further Mathematics qualifications in England has risen dramatically - from 2004 to 2008, the number of students taking AS Further Mathematics increased from 3761 to 8600 and for A level Further Mathematics from 5443 to 8743, increases of 129% ad 61% respectively. These proportional 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 work with their local Further Mathematics Network Centres, often acting as venues for enrichment events and revision days.
Helping schools and colleges, students and teachers
The Further Mathematics Network is also making 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 is also enabling 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
Over 1600 schools and colleges are registered with the FM Network and so receive free access to extensive online resources and advice.
In addition to Further Mathematics tuition and support, the Further Mathematics Network also organises:
