A level mathematics resources
This is a list of resources to support the teaching and learning of A level mathematics. I have attempted to place the resources in some order; pure mathematics, mechanics, statistics and decision mathematics. This list is by no means complete and further resources may be found by searching the resource collections
The Standards Unit: Improving learning in mathematics
The Standards Unit Collection: Improving Learning in Mathematics contains case studies, professional development materials, activity templates and collections of DfE Standards Units entitled:
- mostly algebra materials
- mostly calculus materials
- mostly number materials
- mostly shape and space materials
- mostly statistics material
- others
Active A-Level Mathematics
A collection of ideas, from Susan Wall, for use in the A-level mathematics classroom. The activities are written in a manner designed to engage student participation, promote discussion and enhance understanding. Each activity is accompanied by teacher notes suggesting how the task should be approached. The tasks are designed to be an integral part of the learning process allowing students to experience the joy of mathematical discovery for themselves.
Titles include
- circle geometry
- linear functions
- sequences and series
- simplifying expressions using the rules of lorogarithms
Risps: Rich Starting Points for A Level Mathematics
This collection of forty starting activities for A level mathematics provided by RISPs is intended to enrich the lives of mathematics students in lots of A Level classrooms. All the RISPs presented here tackle topics from AS/A2 Core (Pure) Mathematics syllabus.
Broadly speaking, a risp may be used in three ways:
- to introduce a topic
- to consolidate a topic
- to revise a topic, or a number of topics
Exploring Series
The Centre for Teaching Mathematics at the University of Plymouth have published a series of books – the 'Exploring...' series.
The books covered pure mathematics, mechanics and statistics, providing a bank of problems and investigations which challenge students to think more deeply about the concepts and methods addressed in A level mathematics.
Each resource contains an introduction, a number of student resources and complimentary teacher resources. The resources are entitled:
- exploring mechanics
- exploring pure mathematics
- exploring statistics
Making statistics vital
This Making Statistics Vital collection consists of forty independent activities covering the topics of exploring data, data presentation, measures of centre and spread, probability, discrete random variables, binomial distribution, the Poisson distribution, the normal distribution, sampling and hypothesis testing using the normal distribution, contingency tables and the Chi-Squared distribution, bivariate data, regression and correlation and Markov chains.
Extending GCSE mathematics in readiness for AS level
These resources are designed to enable high ability GCSE students to explore further mathematical topics beyond the scope of the syllabus thus bridging the gap between GCSE and AS level. The resources could also be used as introductory work at AS level in preparation for more in depth study. The resources have been written so they can be used as teacher-led resources or a supported self-study units.
The resources in this collection are:
- exploring gradient functions – starting with the gradient of a straight line, activities progress to finding the gradient of a chord between two points on a curve as one point tends to the other. Generalisation produces the gradient function.
- exploring transformations of graphs – used function notation to explore translations, stretches and combinations of the two. Extension work challenges students to explore reflections
- graphs mystery- in which students use the clues provided to draw nine graphs in appropriate places
Interactive Mathematics Presentations
This collection of resources, produced by the University of Leicester, is designed for use by students preparing for or studying advanced level mathematics. Some activities are suitable for key stage four whilst others cover advanced level topics. The topics covered are:
- transformations of shapes
- transformations of functions
- quadratic equations
- differentiation exercise
- the exponential function
- vectors introduction
Casio Resources
These collections of videos are produced by Casio in conjunction with Mathstouch Ltd. The collection consists of two sub-collections: the first covering material found in AS level mathematics courses, the second featuring material found in the A2 course.
Each resource consists of at least two videos. The first video explains how to solve a mathematical problem using familiar mathematical techniques. The second video shows how the answer to the question can be verified using the functions found on a graphical calculator.
Carom Maths
Carom Maths provide this resource which contains a collection of 40 PowerPoint presentations that include activities, designed by Jonny Griffiths, to explore mathematics not found on the A level syllabus. It is a useful reference for teachers who want to give students the opportunity of learning something new, as well as challenging, and contains original material.
The resources, which are drawn from pure mathematics, have been developed over time and provide a useful bridge to university.
Mechanics in Action Project
The Mechanics in Action Project helped teachers explore the use of practical investigations in mechanics. It aimed to make the subject more interesting and accessible by providing exciting ideas for experienced teachers and support for those who lacked confidence in the subject.
Decision Mathematics
‘Learn About Operational Research’ have developed ten problems consists of a PowerPoint presentation, a student worksheet and a suggested solution. The problems can be used as an introduction to a topic, part of the learning process or as a plenary exercise.
The ten topics covered are:
- bin packing
- critical path analysis
- Dijkstra's algorithm
- network flow problem
- linear programming
- matching problem
- minimum spanning tree
- planar graphs
- route inspection problem
- travelling salesperson problem
