Amazon Web Services & A Level Further Maths

Case Studies
Inspire - Masterclasses
Amazon Web Services & A Level Further Maths

Inspire - Masterclasses

A Partnership between

Amazon Web Services & A Level Further Maths

Intent

Decision mathematics involves abstract concepts that can be challenging for learners to grasp and retain. Without practical examples demonstrating their real-world applications, learners often rely heavily on memorisation. Educators sought tangible scenarios to illustrate the use of algorithms, graphs, decision trees, and matrices. Amazon Web Services (AWS), a provider of on-demand cloud computing platforms, offers a range of real-world applications that effectively showcase these mathematical concepts.

Implementation

A project was set by a solutions architect from Amazon Web Services, as the learners were presented with the following brief: Café Nero will be looking to use the company’s services and would like advice on how it can optimise time and minimise costs when placing orders. The task was to create a portfolio and present findings with clarity, conciseness and accuracy.

Impact

Learners were shown how to use contextualised complex mathematical operations before being encouraged to apply those concepts to the Café Nero brief. The learners were thrilled to find they could find solutions by thinking critically and adopted unique approaches to optimising delivery solutions between the Amazon warehouse and Café Nero outlets.
Skills such as producing a portfolio of solutions and presenting were added bonuses to a project that provided recall opportunities for genuine application of some abstract areas of the maths syllabus.

Learner Quote:

“We used coding to solve problems Amazon faces every day, and it made me think differently about how technology drives everything we do.”

Teacher Quote:

“What impressed me most was how this project transformed abstract maths into something tangible and exciting. My learners were applying complex algorithms to real-world business problems and presenting moments where you see learners realise just how powerful their subject can be beyond the classroom.”

Employer Quote:

“I want to commend your Year 12 learners for their outstanding performance. Their professional presentation and confident handling of questions showed their dedication and preparation. Their enthusiasm and poise reflect the high standard of education at LDE UTC. I look forward to supporting them again and watching their continued growth excel.”

Further key concepts

Although the primary emphasis was on applying algorithms, the activity also reinforced a broad range of other decision mathematics ideas, including networks, graphs, decision trees, matrices, and optimisation methods. Learners also practised data analysis and modelling, applying abstract ideas in real-world, client-focused scenarios. By incorporating these elements into a live industry brief, the project offered excellent retrieval practice, allowing learners to revisit and apply prior knowledge in a meaningful way.

Industry Skill	Exam Key Concept (A Level Further Maths – Decision Mathematics)
Application of algorithms and graph theory to model to real-world problems.	Algorithms; Graph Theory; Networks applying decision maths to mathematical modelling.
Use of critical path analysis, route inspection and minimum spanning tree for optimisation purposes.	Applying Kruskal’s and Prim’s Algorithms to find the minimum spanning tree; Applying Dijkstra’s Algorithm to find the shortest path.
Matrices; Linear programming for maximisation or minimisation problems.	Formulating the problem; defining constraints; use of matrices; solving linear programming problems.
Portfolio development and professional presentation.	Organising and communicating solutions; structuring clear reasoning.
Translating abstract maths into client-focused solutions.	Application of decision maths; linking theory to practical problem-solving.
Collaboration and communication with stakeholders.	Teamwork in mathematical modelling; explaining complex processes in accessible terms; ability to respond to stakeholder questions.