Teaching Core Maths for the first time can feel overwhelming, even for experienced teachers. The course presents unique challenges that differ from other maths qualifications, and adjusting to these can take time.
In this article, we’ll highlight the support we offer for teaching Core Maths, including how to make the most of the Core Maths preliminary materials. Whether you’re new to teaching Core Maths or looking to enhance your existing practice, we’ve got something for you.
The Core Maths Preliminary Materials
Students enrolled in the Core Maths course receive pre-release materials two months prior to their exam. This allows students to familiarise themselves with some of the contexts and types of questions they may encounter. For many teachers, especially in their early years of teaching Core Maths, making the most of these materials can seem daunting.
Using the pre-release materials affords a unique opportunity to not only delve into many potentially fascinating contexts but also to consider how mathematics might assist in making sense of them. In past years, topics have ranged from estimating the weight of a donkey, to analysing social media use among young people, to looking at how football clubs generate revenue.
Most first-time teachers of Core Maths find that working through the preliminary materials collaboratively is an invaluable learning experience. Discussing these materials with other teachers allows for a thoughtful exchange of ideas, enhancing your approach to the topics while boosting your confidence in teaching them.
Core Maths Pre-Release Discussion Webinars
The AMSP’s pre-release discussion webinars provide a unique space for Core Maths teachers from all over the country. The structure of these highly popular sessions encourages focused idea-sharing and collaboration in a small-group setting.
Following the meetings, the AMSP will provide teachers with a means of sharing resources. Participation in these meetings will ensure that you can resource your Core Maths lessons in the run-up to the summer’s examinations. Plus, it’ll provide you with a pool of resources to share amongst colleagues and come back to anytime.
Apply Now
We are pleased to let you know that this year’s Core Maths Pre-Release Discussion Webinars are now open for bookings. These sessions will run throughout March and early April and cover all Core Maths specifications. Take a look below at the range of sessions running…
| Meeting | Date |
|---|---|
| AQA session 1 | 6 March |
| AQA session 2 | 12 March |
| AQA session 3 | 24 March |
| Edexcel session 1 | 10 March |
| Edexcel session 2 | 18 March |
| OCR session 1 | 27 March |
| OCR session 2 | 1 April |
Core Maths Specialist Leads
Our Core Maths Specialist Leads are another brilliant way to gain support with the teaching and delivery of Core Maths. Whether you’re new to teaching Core Maths and want advice on pedagogy or you’re an experienced Core Maths teacher who’d like help promoting the course to students, Core Maths Specialist Leads can help. Fill out a request form on our webpage and one of our Core Maths Specialist Leads will be touch.
Other Professional Development Opportunities
The AMSP also offers a range of other professional development opportunities to enhance your Core Maths teaching. Our Core Maths Specification Networks are designed for teachers looking to deepen their understanding of specific Core Maths exam boards. These sessions offer expert guidance and endless opportunities for collaboration.
Our Core Maths Winter Conference is also another valuable opportunity to network and share ideas with fellow teachers while exploring pedagogical approaches to teaching Core Maths effectively. This year’s conference will be held in London on 31 January – see you there!