Project-based learning in post-16 maths - Summer 2024 - Introduction and objectives

Oct 20, 2026

Project-based learning in post-16 maths, presented by Dave Gale at MathsConf35 (Summer 2024), introduces Core Maths and explains how it differs from other post-16 routes. The presentation outlines learning objectives: using a project as a starting point, encouraging creative approaches to teaching, enabling learners to ask questions, and sharing additional resources. It surveys Core Maths availability across AQA, Edexcel, and OCR/MEI, summarises course structures and variants, and discusses reasons for choosing AQA including estimation, finance topics, and critical analysis.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages27

Reading Time1 h 8 min

AccessFree to download

Objectives

What’s available for ‘Core Maths’

Why AQA?

Why 2A?

For students and parents

For me as a teacher

Project-based learning in post-16 maths Dave Gale MathsConf35 Summer 2024 • Maths teacher since 2001 • Advanced Skills teacher • Maths author – Hodder and Stoughton, The Mathematical Association, Integral, Amazon, AQA • Core Maths advocate with the Advanced Maths Support Programme (AMSP) Copyright © 2024 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 2 Objectives • To introduce you to Core Maths and how it’s different. • To encourage you to think about maths teaching in an even more creative way. • To explore how to use a project as a starting point for maths . • To provide an opportunity to ask questions . • To share other starting points and resources . Copyright © 2024 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 3 What’s available for ‘Core Maths’ AQA AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies Two papers Three variants: A: Statistical Techniques B: Critical Path and Risk Analysis C: Graphical Techniques Edexcel Mathematics in Context (Level 3 Core Maths) Two papers OCR/MEI Core Maths (MEI) Level 3 Certificate Core Maths Two papers Two variants: A: Critical Maths B: Statistical Problem Solving Copyright © 2024 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 4 All exam boards have written their courses to be appropriate for students attaining Grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths. Copyright © 2024 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 5 All exam boards release material before the exam so students know what some of the questions will be based on . Copyright © 2024 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 6 Why AQA? • Fermi estimation is both fun and a good life skill. • Finance is a significant part, with Income Tax and National Insurance consistently asked. • Critical Analysis is a specific focus . Why 2A? • I was already comfortable with statistics teaching from A-level Maths. • Psychology, geography and biology are popular at my school. Copyright © 2024 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 7 For students and parents: • It is so obviously useful maths. • No more “When will I use this?” • Genuinely supports other A-levels . For me as a teacher: • A really fresh approach to teaching maths. • It got me thinking about maths in a different way. Copyright © 2024 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 8 AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies, June 2017, Paper 1, Question 4 Copyright © 2024 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 9 Copyright © 2024 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 10

FAQs

What is the presentation’s purpose regarding Core Maths?

It introduces Core Maths and explains how it is different, while encouraging creative thinking about maths teaching.

Which exam boards and qualifications are covered for Core Maths?

AQA (Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies), Edexcel (Mathematics in Context), and OCR/MEI (Core Maths, MEI) are presented, including their paper structures and variants.

What reasons are given for choosing AQA?

The presentation highlights Fermi estimation as a useful skill, finance topics such as Income Tax and National Insurance, and a focus on critical analysis.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Lucas Martin