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The Hertfordshire Further Mathematics Centre new

Three years ago the Hertfordshire Mathematics Advisory Team set up a project to determine what might be done to increase the numbers of students taking A Level Further mathematics.  At that time the number of students taking A Level Further Mathematics nationally had fallen from about 15000 in 1980 to about 5000. The high costs of running small groups and the shortage of qualified teachers were two of the main reasons for this decline.

The outcome was that Hertfordshire was the first Local Authority to pilot a new approach to the teaching of Further Mathematics. Working with MEI the pilot (alongside several others in the country) demonstrated how numbers could be dramatically increased.

This led to a successful bid to the DfES to establish one of the first Regional Further Mathematics Network Centres in the country. This is a joint venture involving Hertfordshire LA, Longdean School, Hemel Hempstead and the University of Hertfordshire working with The National Further mathematics Network and involves:

• Tutoring from staff at the Regional Centre
• Use of on-line self study materials
• Five study/ revision days per year at the University of Hertfordshire

During 2005/2006 the Hertfordshire Further Mathematics Network supported nearly 60 students.

Students enjoy working this way.  Here are two comments from Hertfordshire students:

"The idea of a distance-learning course may be off putting for a lot of people; it sounds like harder work, as you have to be very self-motivated. Although this is true, it’s well structured and I’ve found that I can work at my own pace, fitting it around my other work. I’m really enjoying having access to online resources, as I feel much more in control of my learning, whilst still having the same amount of help available should I need it.”  Hannah
 
“Taking Further Maths as a distance learning course has been very beneficial. Most importantly it has given me the opportunity to study maths to a higher level than studying Mathematics A level. The way that you learn gives you more freedom because although there is some valuable teaching as part of the course, you do most of the work in your own time, which means that it is easy to fit it in around your other subjects. There is also a great deal of support available from the website and from your tutor so if you have a problem then it can easily be solved.”  Mandy

Many schools and colleges in Hertfordshire (and elsewhere) are currently unable to offer mathematics education beyond standard A-level Mathematics. However, students who wish to go on to university to study for mathematics-related degrees such as computing, physics and engineering, as well as Mathematics itself, benefit enormously from studying Further Mathematics, which greatly improves their preparation for university-level study.   Mathematics-related subjects are vital for our economy and young people with good Mathematics qualifications have excellent career prospects.

As well as giving all students from the Hertfordshire region the chance to take Further Mathematics at AS or A-level, the Hertfordshire Further Mathematics Centre will also promote mathematics to local GCSE pupils and provide opportunities for the professional development of local mathematics teachers.

Further information can be gained by contacting:
Krys Golabek, Centre Manager
Email: KrysGolabek@fmnetwork.org.uk
Tel: 01442 217277.

Details can also be found on the Further mathematics Network Website:

• www.fmnetwork.org.uk
• Hertfordshire Further Mathematics Centre

Keith Gould
Senior Adviser - Mathematics
email: keith.gould@hertscc.gov.uk