This information is for prospective teacher training students who have been advised to attend the Mathematics Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course.

Subject Focus

The course will focus on areas of the Mathematics curriculum identified by the subject audits.

From the KS3/4 National Curriculum this is most likely to include number, algebra, shape and space and data handling topics from intermediate and higher levels, with an emphasis on investigations, problem solving and practical activities. In our experience trainees' needs are likely to include the following topics:

  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Iterative techniques
  • Simultaneous equations
  • Functions
  • Trigonometry
  • Circle properties
  • Loci
  • Volume and area scale factors
  • Sampling methods
  • Statistical diagrams and analysis
  • Probability

Participants will be guided through the progression of topics from GCSE through AS to A Level. The emphasis is likely to be on Pure Mathematics topics:

  • Nature and methods of proof
  • Algebraic techniques
  • Calculus
  • Coordinate and vector geometry
  • Discrete and limiting processes
  • Infinity and infinite processes

There will also be provision for the applied topics of:

Mechanics

  • Statics
  • Kinematics and particle dynamics
  • Newton's laws of motion
  • Energy and work
  • Laws of conservation of momentum
  • Rigid bodies

Statistics

  • Sampling principles
  • Discrete and continuous random variables
  • Estimators
  • Hypothesis testing

Discrete Mathematics

  • Linear programming
  • Elementary graph theory
  • Algorithms

In all cases the emphasis will be on updating the participants' subject knowledge. A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be used, including:

  • Practical work
  • Investigations
  • Problem solving
  • Interactive teaching
  • Peer tutoring
  • Discussion
  • Exposition and practice
  • Use of ICT - eg graph drawing packages, spreadsheets, interactive geometric software, internet

Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course Admissions

Telephone: 01603 592640; email: edu.ske@uea.ac.uk