Overview

Teaching Mechanics 1 (TM1) is an extended professional development course for teachers wishing to build their confidence in teaching mechanics. TM1 covers the mechanics content from all major specifications for AS/A level Mathematics.

TM1 consists of:

• Ten live online tutorials, plus an optional extra session for complete beginners
• Two compulsory study days
• Access to course-specific teaching and learning resources on Integral (MEI’s learning platform)
• Email support from a tutor 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.

After TM1, participants have the opportunity to continue to TM2, which will further expand understanding of mechanics teaching and cover the mechanics content from AS/A level Further Mathematics.

Aims

• Gain a deeper understanding of the principles of mechanics
• Develop skills with mathematical modelling and problem solving
• Develop confidence with incorporating practical work into maths teaching
• Improve subject knowledge and build on pedagogical skills
• Link topics in mechanics with other areas of maths

Who will benefit from attending?

TM1 is designed for teachers who are currently teaching AS/A level Mathematics, or who wish to teach it at some point in the near future. 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 Wednesdays (16:30 to 17:45); these are recorded and available for playback.

Wed 17 Sep:  Introduction to teaching mechanics
Wed 24 Sep:  Kinematics in one dimension
Wed 8 Oct:  Introduction to forces and Newton's laws
(Wed 15 Oct:  Additional support for complete beginners in mechanics)
Wed 22 Oct:  Applications of forces and Newton's laws
Wed 5 Nov:  Forces in two dimensions
Wed 26 Nov:  Connected particles
Wed 10 Dec:  Projectiles
Wed 7 Jan:  Moments
Wed 21 Jan:  Kinematics in two dimensions
Wed 28 Jan:  Variable acceleration

At the two course study days these topics will be explored further, with a greater emphasis on pedagogy. There will also be opportunities to try out practical activities and consider the role of modelling in mechanics.

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 their order of preference from the following options:

It may be possible to switch between groups once the course has started, subject to capacity. 

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

Do I need to have taught A level Mathematics before doing the TM1 course?

There is no requirement that applicants have taught A level Mathematics before undertaking TM1.

How much time will I need to devote to studying?

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.

Do I have to hand in any work during the course?

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

Where do study days take place?

We vary face-to-face study day locations. Recent study day locations have included London, Coventry, Manchester and Leeds.

Participant feedback

The best CPD I have had in over 30 years of teaching. Excellent webinars, fantastic practical face to face sessions and a really enjoyable and useful assignment.

I genuinely had a light bulb moment (or several) today! I'm buzzing...

I was terrified by mechanics, but now I love it.

The whole course (online and face-to-face) is outstanding. All A level teachers should do this course.

Key facts

• Reference:#14256
• Audience:Teachers
• Curriculum focus:A level Mathematics
• Mathematical focus:Mechanics
• Format:Blended
• Duration:6 months
• Study days:2
• Online sessions:10
• Region:National
• Venue:Online classroom and study days in London or Leeds
• Start date:17 Sep 2025
• Course times:16:30 - 17:45
• Fee:Free for state-funded schools; £495 otherwise