Category Archives: Maths

Maths

These two calculators could be all you need for the new school year….

LK 183                                                                 LK 83XP

The LOGIK LK 183 calc. has been used by UK school and college students since 2008. With 240 functions, plus twin line display, auto power off, hard plastic keys and a slide-on cover, it has proved to be extremely reliable as well as being competitively priced, (from just £ 3.49 ex vat).

It has recently been joined by the LOGIK LK 83XP with its “natural display” feature which enables the user to enter calculations as shown in textbooks and worksheets. With (almost) all the features of the brand leader, (not “verify” or “recurring decimal”) , its 252 functions include number tables, random numbers, prime factorisation, trig & stats functions log and anti-log etc plus a twin line display, slide-on cover, hard plastic keys and auto-power off. It’s battery powered with solar back-up for longer life and competitively priced. (from just £ 4.85 ex vat)

Both LOGIK calcs have a THREE year warranty (excludes LCD damage) and are suitable for KS 3, 4 and GCSE.

For more details, please see the website: www.signposteducational.co.uk

or email: info@signposteducational.co.uk or phone 020 7515 1797 and ask to speak to Martin Evans who will be pleased to assist.

PS. Also available is the “Value Maths set” which has proved to be very useful for students in lessons and exams……from just £ 1.10 ex vat. Details on the website.

Signpost Educational Ltd., PO Box 999 London E14 6SH

Maths

What is the best way to encourage your students to reason mathematically and solve problems?

The new National Curriculum in Mathematics has at its heart an active, process-orientated delivery of the content; greater emphasis is placed on reasoning and problem solving.

These teaching materials will supplement your chosen textbook and provide your pupils with the opportunity to think for themselves about developing a mathematical strategy to fit a given activity.

The materials have been updated with the content from the new National Curriculum to cover:

  • Developing fluency
  • Reasoning mathematically
  • Solving problems

Topics covered are:

  • The nth term
  • Percentages
  • Tessellation
  • Probability

Each topic contains: details of the mathematical content covered; a pupil’s target achieved/progression sheet, lesson plans; worksheets; assessment. A section providing answers to all worksheets is provided at the end of the book.

Selected Topics in KS3 Maths is available as a photocopiable book or on CD Rom, and individual activities can thus be readily copied and distributed to students as required. The copies can also be shared with colleagues or given to supply teachers, without any fear of the original book being misplaced.

An extract from  Selected Topics in KS3 Maths, ISBN 978 1 86083 745 6, order code T1678EMN, is available at http://pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/maths/T1678.pdf 

Prices

  • Photocopiable report in a ring binder, £24.95 plus £3.95 delivery
  • CD with school-wide rights: £24.95 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Both the Ring Binder and the CD £31.94 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Prices include VAT.

You can purchase the report…

When ordering the book please quote the reference T1678EMN.

Maths

FAO the Head of Maths – Work Less. Boost Results.

Dear head of department,

I used to work hard: 12-14 hour days, 7 days a week.

But the results of my students did not improve until I did less – a lot less.

This is because I created a revision program that was “self-taught”.

It showed students how to revise for their upcoming GCSE maths exam (in a step-by-step manner) from day 1 right up to the day of their exam.

The best part about it is, my program didn’t require me to be there and hammer-home the key concepts.

Since I put it into place, my workload has reduced by 50% yet the results of all my students have improved considerably.

If you want to reduce your workload significantly and boost your student’s results in the near future, I highly recommend that you get my unique revision program from: www.gcsemathsforschools.co.uk.

Kind regards,

Jeevan Singh
GCSE Maths For Schools

Maths, School News

Last chance to buy the Mental Arithmetic Series for just £30

As part of our 2016 Summer Sale (which is well underway) we are selling our titles for just £5 a book as we aim to be selling downloads and downloads only from September 2016 (or whilst book stocks last).

Indeed, some of our book stock is now running low, including those in our Mental Arithmetic Series, so now may be your last chance to buy the Mental Arithmetic Series for just £30.

The Mental Arithmetic Series includes:

Mental Arithmetic Questions for Year 2 (£5)

  • Covers National Curriculum Levels 1-2
  • Numbers to 200
  • Key Numeracy Strategy Objectives for Year 2
  • 30 sets of teacher questions with answers plus 30 photocopiable pupil answer sheets with prompts
  • 3 easy questions to start each test giving each pupil confidence
  • Repetitive questions which steadily get harder through each book
  • A wide mathematical vocabulary as advocated in the National Numeracy Strategy

Mental Arithmetic Questions for Year 3 (£5)

  • Covers National Curriculum Levels 2-3
  • Numbers to 500
  • Key Numeracy Strategy Objectives for Year 3
  • 30 sets of teacher questions with answers plus 30 photocopiable pupil answer sheets with prompts
  • 3 easy questions to start each test giving each pupil confidence
  • Repetitive questions which steadily get harder through each book
  • A wide mathematical vocabulary as advocated in the National Numeracy Strategy

Mental Arithmetic Questions for Year 4 (£5)

  • Covers National Curriculum Levels 2-4
  • Numbers to 1,000
  • Key Numeracy Strategy Objectives for Year 4
  • 30 sets of teacher questions with answers plus 30 photocopiable pupil answer sheets with prompts
  • 3 easy questions to start each test giving each pupil confidence
  • Repetitive questions which steadily get harder through each book
  • A wide mathematical vocabulary as advocated in the National Numeracy Strategy

Mental Arithmetic Questions for Year 5 (£5)

  • Covers National Curriculum Levels 3-4
  • Numbers to 10,000
  • Key Numeracy Strategy Objectives for Year 5
  • 30 sets of teacher questions with answers plus 30 photocopiable pupil answer sheets with prompts
  • 3 easy questions to start each test giving each pupil confidence
  • Repetitive questions which steadily get harder through each book
  • A wide mathematical vocabulary as advocated in the National Numeracy Strategy

Mental Arithmetic Questions for Year 6 (£5)

  • Covers National Curriculum Levels 3-5
  • Numbers to 1,000,000
  • Key Numeracy Strategy Objectives for Year 6
  • 30 sets of teacher questions with answers plus 30 photocopiable pupil answer sheets with prompts
  • 3 easy questions to start each test giving each pupil confidence
  • Repetitive questions which steadily get harder through each book
  • A wide mathematical vocabulary as advocated in the National Numeracy Strategy

Mental Arithmetic Questions for Year 7 (£5)

  • Ideal for Primary School Gifted and Talented Pupils.
  • Covers National Curriculum Levels 4 to 5+
  • Numbers to 10,000,000
  • Key Numeracy Strategy Objectives for Year 6/7
  • 30 sets of teacher questions with answers plus 30 photocopiable pupil answer sheets with prompts
  • A wide mathematical vocabulary as advocated in the National Numeracy Strategy

As always, you can order any of our resources by:

  • visiting our website
  • calling 01772 863158
  • faxing 01772 866153
  • emailing sales@topical-resources.co.uk            
  • or by sending your order in the post to Topical Resources, P.O. Box329, Broughton, Preston, Lancashire PR3 5LT

 
www.topical-resources.co.uk
sales@topical-resources.co.uk

Maths, Special Needs

What is the benefit of testing pupils for dyscalculia?

One of the great problems in working with dyscalculic pupils and students is that there are many different ways in which dyscalculia affects individuals.

Because of this there is no such thing as a “typical dyscalculic person” or indeed a single method for helping the dyscalculic pupil or student.

In short, when faced with a dyscalculic individual what we have to do is try to find out the areas in which the pupil has problems and the specific difficulties that the pupil has.

Finding such information out can be made more difficult by the fact that many dyscalculics evolve their own methods of handling maths over time, making it appear as if they know what they are doing in certain situations.

In such situations, although the pupil or student can get an answer right, he/she often has no understanding at all and is instead just going through a mechanical and essentially (for them) meaningless process.

It is because of this sort of problem that in 2011 the Dyscalculia Centre introduced its on-line test for dyscalculia, suitable for pupils aged 8 and above.

Hundreds of individuals now take the test each year, and many schools have found it helpful to test several pupils in the course of a year, which is why we are now introducing a special price for schools that use our test with three or more pupils.

The aim of the test is not simply to say “this person is dyscalculic,” although it does give that result.  It aims primarily to find out where the specific problems for that individual are and then suggest how these problems can be overcome.

For example, the test seeks to unravel situations where the student seemingly knows how to undertake mathematical computations without having any idea what is going on.   It also looks for associated short term / long term memory issues, problems with understanding the very concept of number, and difficulties with the notion of time and of shapes.

The Dyscalculia Test is taken on-line, and results in a detailed report (usually around five pages of A4) identifying the problem areas and the actions that can be taken to help the pupil overcome these issues.

What’s more, the Centre also then provides free teaching materials that can be used with the pupil to help deal with the most important areas of difficulty in a multi-sensory way, thus allowing the pupil or student to start moving forward in terms of mathematical knowledge.

There is more information about the Dyscalculia Centre’s on-line test for dyscalculia at http://www.dyscalculia.me.uk/testing.html

Testing costs £59.95 per individual or £49.95 each where three or more tests are booked together (although these tests do not all have to be taken at the same time). This price includes taking the test, receiving a specific report in relation to the individual taking the test, and being provided with resources relevant to that individual which can be used to help them progress in maths.

The test itself is set up for payment by credit card on-line:

Please click here to order one test at £59.95
Please click here to order 3 tests at £49.95 each

However if you wish to use a school order number you can do this by phoning 01536 399 011, or by fax to 01536 399 012.  In each case we will need your email address so that we can email you a link to the on-line test.  There are more details about payment for schools on http://www.dyscalculia.me.uk/teacher.html

If you have any enquiries please do call 01536 399 000 or email admin@dyscalculia.me.uk

The Dyscalculia Centre
Hamilton House Mailings
Earlstrees Road
Corby
UK
NN17 4HH

Website: www.dyscalculia.me.uk
Email: admin@dyscalculia.me.uk

Maths

Safety over cost, a practical example of the problems faced by mathematicians, engineers and businesses.

So that students can see how important maths is to our businesses and to our building industry we have put together a practical problem solving exercise called The Oil Rig Platform.  It is designed to simulate the workings of a team of engineers, trying to find a solution to a problem by building an oil rig platform.

The students are divided into small teams and challenged to build a model of an oil rig platform and work out how much it costs to build using only set materials.  To test for safety the platform must be able to support the weight of a brick!  Will your students design it so cheaply that it collapses or will they spend more money to make it strong and sturdy?

The exercise is suitable for both KS3 and KS4 students and runs over one lesson.  Each team is given the student brief, a set of resources and a deadline.  The winning team is the one who can build the oil rig, support the weight of a brick and is the cheapest to build.  A great learning experience and good fun for everyone.

What’s more – we have made it really easy for the teacher to deliver too!

This resource contains: clear teachers’ guidance notes that explain how to run the exercise, the students exercise brief, resources checklist and the assessment criteria.

How much does this all cost?  Only £20.00 and can be re-used over and over again!

There are more details at…

http://c-l-e.co.uk/buy-teaching-resources-online/oil-rig-platform/

You can pay and download the exercise direct from our website using PayPal or you may wish to pay with either a cheque or a purchase order number. Simply e-mail your purchase order number to us and we will send the exercise to you along with the invoice for payment within 14 days.

Julie O’Brien
Creative Learning Events
0113 3909814
07977 489779
www.c-l-e.co.uk

Maths

12 great maths lessons for £50

 6 DVDs
X 2 Maths shows each
= 12+ maths lessons for just £50

Hello,

Maths on Screen DVDs are the perfect way to enrich maths teaching for 13-16 year-olds, for KS3, KS4, GCSE or whatever curriculum a school follows.  Playable across all regions, they now sell in over 25 countries, including the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, China and elsewhere in Asia, as well as around Europe.

Personalities from TV, business and academia bring lessons to life

Created in association with Maths Inspiration, the innovative live performance company, a box set contains 12 x 40 minute shows, presented by some of the  most inspiring maths speakers from the UK and elsewhere. Covering a wide range of maths topics, each speaker enthuses and engages the student audience. They demonstrate not only why these topics are worth studying, but also how they are applied in the real world, and, tangentially, how maths can open up many career choices.

The presenters include Maths Inspiration founder and best-selling maths author Rob Eastaway, BBC and Discovery Channel TV presenter and ‘Stand-Up Mathematician’ Matt Parker, BBC Sky at Night presenter, Space Scientist and UCL Professor Lucie Green, Emeritus Fellow at Oxford University David Acheson, Senior Lecturer at Cambridge University Dr Hugh Hunt, Software Specialist and Juggler Colin Wright, and many more. valign=”top” width=”616″>

What they’re saying about Maths on Screen DVDs

 Maths Inspiration shows and DVDs will appeal to lots of students – even students who you may
not have considered would enjoy mathematical enrichment before.
“MEI – Maths in Education & Industry

“Easier access to the joys of mathematics without the palaver of booking coaches and filling out
risk assessments…A real sense of excitement….showcasing some of the best maths speakers.
”Plus Magazine

“More like this please. Keep up the good work of showing how maths can be so intriguing.”
Jane Towers – Subject Leader Mathematics, Chiltern Hills Academy

“A really good video about probability….Matt and Ben do a really good job of making the
math accessible and entertaining.
“Levi Phippen, Utah, USA

“One of the teachers has shown them all to his classes and used them in our Mathematics club.
He loves them!
“Alison Klein, Trinity Grammar School, Sydney, Australia

Order your DVDs now

DVDs are available individually for UK£10, or with this special offer, the box set of all six for just UK£50 plus VAT and p&p.

All our DVDs are playable across all regions. To order yours, just call (0)20 3174 3249 or download and complete this order form or visit our online shop.

Please specify code “HH1” when you call, or enter this code in the ‘add a note’ section of the shopping cart when ordering online.

More details and reviews are at www.mathsonscreen.com

Best wishes,

Phil Rees

Director, Maths on Screen

Maths, Numeracy

What is the one classroom activity that will enhance your pupils’ confidence in, and enjoyment of maths more than any other?

There are only a limited number of activities around that are designed specifically to increase children’s enjoyment of maths.  And yet the more children do see maths as an enjoyable subject the more confidence they will have in the subject – and the more rapidly their studies will progress.

Which is why we created Magical Maths.

Magical Maths is a school based workshop aimed at either KS1 or KS2 students.  It is taught on a class-by-class basis with up to five classes being taught during the course of the day, with each class session lasting 45 minutes to an hour.

The sessions are based around the notion of magic, and indeed the practitioner who leads the sessions is a member of the Magic Circle.  Children practice and perform the magic tricks that are taught during the workshop – magic which is all based on National Curriculum maths.

As a result the children gain new mathematical insights and revel in their new-found positive relationship with mathematics.

To enquire about a possible booking please call me on 07870 215675 or email Jasmine@Jasminesmagicparties.co.uk with the words MAGIC MATHS in the subject line.

 

Maths, Numeracy

By manipulating numbers using mathematical operations, they can be used to serve a variety of purposes in everyday life

Children who handle numbers regularly have a greater understanding of their meaning and are thus quicker to appreciate that numbers can be manipulated using mathematical operations to serve a variety of purposes in everyday life.

However, there are very few teaching resources on the market which exercise such an approach to number (which is surprising when we consider that the majority of children are thought to be kinaesthetic learners).

As a result, we have developed Deck Ahoy! – a resource containing over 100 games and activities where the only equipment you need is a deck of cards.

Suitable for pupils in Years 1 to 6, the resource is designed to support the teaching of number and the mathematical operations that appear in the mathematics programmes of study.

The games and activities therefore do not only explore the main operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division – but also fractions, statistics, time, ratios, squares, and cubes and graphs.

What’s more, the ‘Deck Ahoy!’ card games and activities have proven to work exceptionally well as homework tasks, particularly when you are stretched for PPA time as there are no worksheets to issue or marking to do.

Further information and free sample activities can be found on the website.

You can order Deck Ahoy! in any of these ways:

  • On our website By phone on 01449 766629
  • By fax on 01449 768047
  • By email to orders@tradecounter.co.uk 
  • Or by post to Brilliant Publications, Mendlesham Industrial Estate, Norwich Road, Mendlesham, Suffolk, IP14 5ND

Brilliant Publications,
Mendlesham Industrial Estate,
Norwich Road,
Mendlesham,
Suffolk,
IP14 5ND.

website: www.brilliantpublications.co.uk
email: orders@tradecounter.co.uk

phone: 01449 766629
fax: 01449 768047

Maths, Special Needs

Diagnosing dyscalculia is just the start. It is also necessary to identify the type of dyscalculia the student has got.

Research by the Dyscalculia Centre, which has been published in SEN Magazine, has shown that there are five different types of dyscalculia – although inevitably many young people suffer from a combination of the types listed below.

Type 1 dyscalculics report significant worries about maths.  As a result they feel themselves living in an alien world in which everyone else can grasp maths, but they can’t.  Self-doubt becomes so strong that it gets increasingly difficult to persuade the individual that with proper support they might well be able to undertake and understand mathematical calculations.

Type 2 dyscalculics also experience this deep concern but have found strategies for understanding and coping with basic maths – yet they feel that they don’t have the automatic grasp that others have and often take twice as much time (or more) to do a maths problem as a non-dyscalculic person.

Type 3 students have a profound difficulty in comprehending and dealing with the concept of time.  Sometimes this issue appears on its own, sometimes in combination with types 1 or 2 dyscalculia.  For such people time itself makes no sense and they are quite unable to estimate “five minutes” or any other time length while questions about timetables and the like are also quite meaningless.

Type 4 dyscalculics may not always be dyscalculic in the genetic sense, although they display many of the symptoms of dyscalculic people because they have short-term and long-term memory problems.  These students generally have a problem with all sequences – and this, of course, affects their ability to handle maths perhaps more than any other subject.

Type 5 dyscalculics tend not to see numbers as in any way related to the real world.  In one sense most of us have this problem; after all, what is “six”?   We know what six sheep are.  But “six” on its own is close to meaningless.   For such people, maths can be learned automatically, but when it gets to issues such as fractions, decimals, and percentages then life gets difficult.

Fortunately all these types of dyscalculics can be helped through different types of multi-sensory learning of maths, and this is the approach we have set out in our series: “Dyscalculia Activities”

Each volume contains a vast array of activities which a teacher or assistant teacher can undertake with a small group of students, and involves turning the abstract concepts of maths into physical experiences.  No special equipment is needed, apart from paper, scissors, small cards and some ludo type counters.  (We can supply the cards and counters if you don’t already have them).

Each printed volume is copiable, and so only one copy is needed per school.

There are details here including sample pages

If you have any enquiries please do call 01536 399 000 or email Tony@schools.co.uk

You can place orders on line (there is a link from each of the above resource pages) or you can go straight to the on-line shop here http://shop.firstandbest.co.uk/index.php?cPath=29 You can also order by post and fax:

  • By post to First and Best, Hamilton House, Earlstrees Ct., Earlstrees Way, Corby, NN17 4HH
  • By fax to 01536 399 012

The Dyscalculia Centre
Hamilton House Mailings
Earlstrees Road
Corby
UK
NN17 4HH

Website: www.dyscalculia.me.uk
Email: admin@dyscalculia.me.uk

Maths, Numeracy, Special Needs

Methods of Teaching Maths to Pupils with Dyscalculia

Research in recent years has shown that children with dyscalculia can be taught maths if certain specific points in their understanding of maths are addressed. If this approach can be followed by the adoption of particular methods of teaching by the teacher and methods of learning by the pupils, then these children can readily reach the average standard of the class.

What’s more the techniques that are known to work well with dyscalculic pupils also work well with pupils who have an average ability at maths.

The book outlines a series of individual methods of teaching maths, which is followed by a series of methods of learning which will benefit all pupils, irrespective of their levels of mathematical achievement. It also contains information on enhancing pupil memory and pupil ability to handle sequences. The methods can be adapted and used with all age groups. The approaches can be used by special needs teachers in small group or individual sessions, and can also be used within full class lessons.

Methods of Teaching Maths to Pupils with Dyscalculia also contains information for parents as well as information on how homework can be structured to the maximum benefit of dyscalculic pupils.

Methods of Teaching Maths to Pupils with Dyscalculia: ISBN: 978 1 86083 688 6; Order code: T1630emn

Sample pages can be found on http://pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/dyscalculia/T1630.pdf

The volume is available as:

  • A photocopiable book, price £24.95 plus £3.95 delivery inclusive of VAT.
  • On CD, price £24.95 plus £3.95 delivery inclusive of VAT.
  • Both book and CD at special price of £31.94 plus £3.95 delivery inclusive of VAT.

You can purchase the book:

The Dyscalculia Centre
Hamilton House Mailings
Earlstrees Road
Corby
UK
NN17 4HH

Website: www.dyscalculia.me.uk
Email: admin@dyscalculia.me.uk

Maths

Discover the 9 good reasons why 5,000 UK schools are already using Mathletics … …

…. AND WE WILL GIVE YOU A 10th …

FREE ACCESS THIS SUMMER TERM FOR YOUR SCHOOL
NOW THAT’S AN OFFER THAT REALLY ADDS UP!

Hi Maths Subject Leader

3P Learning recently surveyed the schools using its Mathletics digital resource to ask them to share with us the reasons why they use it and the impact and benefits they have seen as a result.

They told us that there are 9 very good reasons!

Read on to learn what they are, to register for your free trial and to take advantage of this fantastic summer term offer…

The 9 reasons your school should subscribe to Mathletics…

1) Mathletics is proven to significantly improve levels of attainment and progress (independently validated by the University of Oxford)

2) Mathletics creates hugely increased levels of pupil engagement, confidence and motivation in maths

3) Mathletics contains fully aligned curriculum content, supporting a mastery approach, developing the core skills of mathematical fluency, problem solving and reasoning

4) Mathletics comprehensively supports SATs preparation

5) Mathletics provides powerful diagnostic reporting and assessment tools to assist with “life after levels”

6) Mathletics can help close the attainment gap for FSM (Pupil Premium) pupils

7) Mathletics can play a key role in encouraging a “Growth Mindset” in maths

8) Mathletics is shown to assist in building parental engagement

9) Mathletics effectively supports personalised learning

For full information on the 9 reasons why Jenny School should subscribe to Mathletics, please click here

About Mathletics

Mathletics is a multi-award-winning digital resource used by more than 5,000 schools across the UK. It is proven to significantly improve results and pupil engagement in maths.

Mathletics contains fully aligned curriculum content, supporting a mastery approach, developing the core skills of mathematical fluency, problem solving and reasoning.

For teachers it offers powerful differentiation, assessment and diagnostic reporting tools.

Mathletics can be accessed on PCs and tablet devices both at school and at home, making it great as a classroom resource for teaching and learning and for setting homework.

Get in touch now by emailing info@mathletics.co.uk and enjoy your free access this summer term if you subscribe.

If you have any questions whatsoever, please contact us using our details below and we will be very happy to help.

We would love to welcome your school into the Mathletics community, so get in touch now to enjoy your summer term free access!

Kind regards,

3P Learning
0117 370 1578
info@mathletics.co.uk

Maths

Mathematics Summer School 2016

On this five-day Maths Summer School students will be introduced to undergraduate topics in pure and applied maths, examining challenging mathematical problems using both calculus and algebra. The course content includes material that students are unlikely to encounter in detail while at school but that is frequently covered as part of first year university programs. As well as looking at maths in theory, we will also be covering key applications of mathematical tools in computing, economics, statistics and engineering.

The 2016 course will include:

Linear Algebra * Hierachies and the Google algorithm * Differential Equations * Financial Markets and the Black-Scholes Model * Integration and 3D Spaces * Vector Calculus * Vectors & Matrices * Proofs and Algorithms * Sets and Infinities * Cryptography

Feedback from previous attendees:

“The Mathematics Summer School is a great introduction to maths at university. During the five days I was presented with a variety of new topics in mathematics which had not been covered in the A level course. I would highly recommend attending the Debate Chamber Summer School, as it gives you a great opportunity to look at other areas of maths.”

“I had a great experience on the Summer School. It took me beyond the confines of the syllabus, giving me a flavour of what undergraduate study would be like. It also led me to find out more about the concepts I’d learned in the sessions. The tutors were extremely engaging and helpful, and they made it a really fun week”

Classes are small, typically containing twelve to fifteen students, all of whom should have a passion for mathematics, a curiosity to build on their existing knowledge and be keen to embrace and exchange new ideas. An expert Tutor will lead each session in a seminar format, but learning will be largely student-led wherever practical. Classes will focus on discussion and on problem questions and exercises, creating a comfortable environment for students to share ideas amongst their peers and to progress from their existing knowledge toward more challenging material.

The Mathematics Summer School is only suitable for students who have completed AS-Level Mathematics (or the equivalent in another qualification structure) at the time of the course. We welcome any student aged between 15-18 who meets this requirement.

This Summer School is particularly appropriate for students who may be considering further study of mathematics at undergraduate level, or who are interested in related disciplines such as physics, computing or engineering.

Practical Details:

The cost of the five-day course is £465, and will be held at the University of London Union in Bloomsbury (please note that these courses are not residential, and accommodation must be arranged independently if required). The course will be held on the 11th-15th July and repeated 8th-12th August.

There will be a limited number of bursary spaces available for those who would otherwise have financial difficulty in attending – please see our website for details.

To book a place please visit http://www.debatechamber.com/summerschools/maths-summer-school/  call us on 0845 519 4827, or email info@debatechamber.com. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Maths

What is the most effective way of identifying whether or not a mathematical concept has been grasped by your pupils?

It is not always possible to know if a pupil has grasped a mathematical concept well enough for them to be able to recall it from memory a day from now, a week from now, or indeed, for their end of year tests.

Which is why it is so important to systematically track pupils’ progress in numeracy – so that you can instantly identify which pupils and which concepts require more revision in lessons.

But there is a problem, for the task of assessing whether your pupils are meeting their end of year expectations has been made more difficult due to recent changes to the Mathematics programmes of study and resultant changes to your year 6 pupils’ end of year SATs.

In order to support you with the task of identifying which pupils and which concepts require more revision, we have developed Assessing End of Year Expectations in Mathematics.

Assessing End of Year Expectations in Mathematics is a resource for Year 6 pupils that provides carefully organised assessments for every statutory statement of the 2014 Mathematics National Curriculum.

The questions within the volume are similar to the new 2016 Mathematics test and can either be used as part of a baseline assessment or at the end of term to measure progress made.

Furthermore, Assessing End of Year Expectations in Mathematics for Year 6 provides answers to the maths questions making it an ideal teaching resource for non-specialist maths teachers undertaking lessons in the maths teacher’s absence.

You can order Assessing End of Year Expectations in Mathematics, either by:

  • visiting our website
  • calling 01772 863158
  • faxing 01772 866153
  • emailing sales@topical-resources.co.uk           
  • Or by sending your order in the post to Topical Resources, P.O. Box329, Broughton, Preston, Lancashire PR3 5LT

 
www.topical-resources.co.uk
sales@topical-resources.co.uk

Maths

Free revision flashcards on percentages!

Help your students recap percentages with our free set of revision flashcards!

These flashcards clearly outline the different processes for percentage calculations in relation to fractions and decimals.

Use this quick revision aid to help reinforce what they already know about percentages, and give them confidence going into their exams.

Download the flashcards on our Doddle Maths page!

Revise with Doddle Maths

Mapped to all major exam boards, Doddle provides a range of presentations and quizzes, complete with formative recap slides, to help your students practise key skills ahead of their exams.

For a demonstration of the features that can enable you to assess understanding and target revision where needed, book a free in-school visit with one of our Educational Consultants.

Alice
Doddle

Maths, Special Needs

Understanding what dyscalculia is can allow schools to help sufferers improve their maths and obtain reasonable results in their examinations

It is a strange but true fact that while most of us working in schools have come across dyslexic children and adults, many teachers have not had direct contact with anyone who is dyscalculic.

And yet dyscalculia is not only a genetic issue, as is dyslexia, it is also as common within society at large as dyslexia.

So why is it that we don’t come across dyscalculic children as often as dyslexic children?

The reason is probably that many schools recognise that they have a small number of children who are poor at maths because they have missed some schooling or failed to grasp specific lessons.

The nature of the subject, which is of course utterly cumulative, means that some children fail to grasp certain concepts simply because they failed to grasp what went before.

This is, of course, utterly different from English, where the fact that I might not be able to spell “was” does not mean I won’t be able to learn “because”.  In maths, however, if I can’t do division I will struggle to understand fractions.

Furthermore there can be social reasons why children do poorly at maths.  Missed time at school can be more detrimental in maths than in most subjects, and there seems to be a greater tendency for parents to suggest to their children that they never understood maths at school, so it just “runs in the family”.

In short there are many reasons why dyscalculia might not be seen as a special need but rather as a consequence of parenting, poor attendance, etc.  As a result specialist tuition and support may not be given as early as it might be with dyslexia.

Understanding Dyscalculia: An Introduction for Schools examines the five main causes of dyscalculia and sets out the methods of working available which can help pupils overcome their dyscalculic problems. The book contains short sections which can be photocopied to give out to other members of staff in school, to worried parents, and to governors, so that everyone can share in the awareness of what dyscalculia is, and how it can be tackled.

Above all the book shows that once we understand and accept the causes of dyscalculia we can adopt appropriate methods of teaching to overcome the problem. Research suggests that most children who gain appropriate help in school can overcome their dyscalculic difficulties and achieve an acceptable grade in secondary school examinations, thus allowing entry into further and higher education.

The book, which is available in copiable form so that it can be shared with colleagues throughout the school, is published by the Dyscalculia Centre, a leading provider of teaching materials for dyscalculic individuals. The Centre also publishes a range of books for special needs teachers working with dyscalculics, and provides on-line testing facilities for pupils and students who are thought to be dyscalculic.

There is a sample chapter available on-line at http://pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/dyscalculia/T1628.pdf

Cat No: 978 1 86083 614 5;  Publisher reference no: T1628emn

Prices

  • Photocopiable report in a ring binder, £24.95. plus £3.95 delivery
  • CD with school-wide rights: £24.95 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Both the Ring Binder and the CD £31.94 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Prices include VAT. 

    You can purchase the book…

Maths, Numeracy

Exercising a unique approach to teaching the four basic functions of maths (plus decimals, fractions and percentages).

It is a fact that some pupils grasp mathematical concepts more readily than others while at the other end of the scale there are some pupils who fail to grasp them, no matter how many times they are revisited and revised.

Of course, the problem for pupils who are unable to grasp the four basic functions of maths is that moving on to the more advanced mathematical concepts that will feature in their exams is quite simply not a viable option.

Such pupils are said to be dyscalculic, or to have maths dyslexia, which can only be overcome if they are taught using a unique approach known as multi-sensory learning.

Which is why we produced Maths and Dyslexia.

Maths and Dyslexia offers a wide range of information on methods of teaching, study skills, placement and progress tests, and worksheets for teachers working with pupils who experience difficulties with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Much of the information in this volume is based on research that suggests that many pupils with dyscalculia fail at maths because they have not understood a basic concept required for the more advanced topics.

Once the four basic functions of maths have been understood by your pupils using the methods outlined in the volume, it is then possible to move on to teaching more advanced mathematical concepts, such as decimals, fractions and percentages, in the same way.

You can order Maths & Dyslexia for £29.99 (VAT free) in a variety of ways, including:

Maths

Safety over cost, a practical example of the problems faced by mathematicians, engineers and businesses.

So that students can see how important maths is to our businesses and to our building industry we have put together a practical problem solving exercise called The Oil Rig Platform.  It is designed to simulate the workings of a team of engineers, trying to find a solution to a problem by building an oil rig platform.

The students are divided into small teams and challenged to build a model of an oil rig platform and work out how much it costs to build using only set materials.  To test for safety the platform must be able to support the weight of a brick!  Will your students design it so cheaply that it collapses or will they spend more money to make it strong and sturdy?

The exercise is suitable for both KS3 and KS4 students and runs over one lesson.  Each team is given the student brief, a set of resources and a deadline.  The winning team is the one who can build the oil rig, support the weight of a brick and is the cheapest to build.  A great learning experience and good fun for everyone.

What’s more – we have made it really easy for the teacher to deliver too!

This resource contains: clear teachers’ guidance notes that explain how to run the exercise, the students exercise brief, resources checklist and the assessment criteria.

How much does this all cost?  Only £20.00 and can be re-used over and over again!

There are more details at…

http://c-l-e.co.uk/buy-teaching-resources-online/oil-rig-platform/

You can pay and download the exercise direct from our website using PayPal or you may wish to pay with either a cheque or a purchase order number. Simply e-mail your purchase order number to us and we will send the exercise to you along with the invoice for payment within 14 days.

Julie O’Brien
Creative Learning Events
0113 3909814
07977 489779
www.c-l-e.co.uk

Maths

What is the best way to encourage your students to reason mathematically and solve problems.

The new National Curriculum in Mathematics has at its heart an active, process-orientated delivery of the content; greater emphasis is placed on reasoning and problem solving.

These teaching materials will supplement your chosen textbook and provide your pupils with the opportunity to think for themselves about developing a mathematical strategy to fit a given activity.

The materials have been updated with the content from the new National Curriculum to cover:

  • Developing fluency
  • Reasoning mathematically
  • Solving problems

Topics covered are:

  • The nth term
  • Percentages
  • Tessellation
  • Probability

Each topic contains: details of the mathematical content covered; a pupil’s target achieved/progression sheet, lesson plans; worksheets; assessment. A section providing answers to all worksheets is provided at the end of the book.

Selected Topics in KS3 Maths is available as a photocopiable book or on CD Rom, and individual activities can thus be readily copied and distributed to students as required. The copies can also be shared with colleagues or given to supply teachers, without any fear of the original book being misplaced.

An extract from  Selected Topics in KS3 Maths, ISBN 978 1 86083 745 6, order code T1678EMN, is available at http://pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/maths/T1678.pdf 

Prices

  • Photocopiable report in a ring binder, £24.95 plus £3.95 delivery
  • CD with school-wide rights: £24.95 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Both the Ring Binder and the CD £31.94 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Prices include VAT.

You can purchase the report…

When ordering the book please quote the reference T1678EMN.

Maths

What is the one classroom activity that will enhance your pupils’ confidence in, and enjoyment of maths more than any other?

There are only a limited number of activities around that are designed specifically to increase children’s enjoyment of maths.  And yet the more children do see maths as an enjoyable subject the more confidence they will have in the subject – and the more rapidly their studies will progress.

Which is why we created Magical Maths.

Magical Maths is a school based workshop aimed at either KS1 or KS2 students.  It is taught on a class-by-class basis with up to five classes being taught during the course of the day, with each class session lasting 45 minutes to an hour.

The sessions are based around the notion of magic, and indeed the practitioner who leads the sessions is a member of the Magic Circle.  Children practice and perform the magic tricks that are taught during the workshop – magic which is all based on National Curriculum maths.

As a result the children gain new mathematical insights and revel in their new-found positive relationship with mathematics.

To enquire about a possible booking please call me on 07870 215675 or email Jasmine@Jasminesmagicparties.co.uk with the words MAGIC MATHS in the subject line.

 

Maths, Primary

Practice Papers in Written Arithmetic, complete with National Standard Guidelines and Class Record Sheets

In written arithmetic, once a mathematical concept has been grasped and rehearsed, it is time to move onto the next one. But there is a problem.

For it is not always possible to know if a pupil has grasped a concept thoroughly enough for them to be able to recall it from memory a day from now, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now, and so on…

Which is why it is so important to systematically track pupils’ progress – so that you can instantly identify which pupils are ready to advance and which pupils require more practice.

Thus we have developed a comprehensive series of Practice Papers in Written Arithmetic for pupils in Year 2 to Year 6 (prepared specifically for the 2016 syllabus), complete with National Standard Guidelines and Class Record Sheets.

The resources will not only support your pupils’ learning, increasing their understanding of written arithmetic and thus preparing them for the more advanced concepts to come, but, at the same time, they will enable you to effortlessly measure your pupils’ performance.

Each book contains six photocopiable test papers, similar in style to the new government tests for 2016, which are available as printed copies within a book, as PDFs in an e-book, or as a download from our website.

Answers are provided, along with assessment score indications at the levels of:

  • Below National Standard
  • Towards the National Standard
  • At the National Standard
  • Above the National Standard
  • Mastery of the National Standard

We have also produced the Weekly Written Arithmetic Questions series in support of the practice papers so that your pupils will not only be confident in sitting the tests, but will also be confident in the answers that they give to the questions.

Each volume in the series contains 30 pages of carefully graded arithmetic questions, each with their own full page answer sheet, and covers topics such as, number, calculations and fractions.

The price for the books depends on the format required: Paper book (£17.95), PDF e-book (£15.95 + VAT) or as a download from our website (£13.95 + VAT).

As always, you can order any of our resources in the following ways:

www.topical-resources.co.uk
sales@topical-resources.co.uk

Maths

What is the one classroom activity that will enhance your pupils’ confidence in, and enjoyment of maths more than any other?

There are only a limited number of activities around that are designed specifically to increase children’s enjoyment of maths.  And yet the more children do see maths as an enjoyable subject the more confidence they will have in the subject – and the more rapidly their studies will progress.

Which is why we created Magical Maths.

Magical Maths is a school based workshop aimed at either KS1 or KS2 students.  It is taught on a class-by-class basis with up to five classes being taught during the course of the day, with each class session lasting 45 minutes to an hour.

The sessions are based around the notion of magic, and indeed the practitioner who leads the sessions is a member of the Magic Circle.  Children practice and perform the magic tricks that are taught during the workshop – magic which is all based on National Curriculum maths.

As a result the children gain new mathematical insights and revel in their new-found positive relationship with mathematics.

To enquire about a possible booking please call me on 07870 215675 or email Jasmine@Jasminesmagicparties.co.uk with the words MAGIC MATHS in the subject line.

 

Maths

If maths students are motivated to achieve in Y9, then they will be well-prepared for GCSE maths in Y10-11.

!!NEW Y9 BOOK!!

The Optymistic Guide

to Y9 Mathematics

 an innovative approach to Y9 Maths

and an excellent preparation

for the Higher Tier GCSE course starting in Y10

 

If Maths is ACCESSIBLE and CHALLENGING,
as well as INTERESTING and ENJOYABLE
then students will be MOTIVATED and DO WELL.

  Give students working with this text responsibility
for their own progress, then watch them fly!

ONE SAMPLE COPY PER SCHOOL of “The Optymistic Guide to Y9 Mathematics”  can be ordered for £5, inc p&p.

Please send a cheque for £5, made out to The ‘Maths is…’ Jugglers to Barbara Young, The ‘Maths is… Jugglers’, The Stables, Verner Close,
Headley, BORDON, GU35 8LW

 By the time they reach Y9, students respond well to a change in approach
– and even more so to being challenged!!

The Optymistic Guide is divided into 11 topics. At the beginning of each topic is a contents list, matched to National Curriculum Levels, from 4/5 up to 8.

For each topic, students should choose where to start, using the contents list.
Levels 4&5 should be treated as revision checklists. Students deal with any weaknesses here, looking for what they will need to strengthen.

They know the date of the end-of-topic test. They decide what they should do in levels
6-8 in that time, with advice from the teacher if needed. You would be amazed at how much keen students will do in their own time.

Then students start to romp, as they want to get as high up the levels as they can. A comprehensive list of instructions is provided for both teacher and students at the front of the book.

The material in this book can also be taught in the usual way.

Details of the Optymistic Guide to Y9 Mathematics can be found at http://www.mathsisjugglers.com/ks3/year-9/y9-optymistic-guide

There are NEW PUBLICATION PRICES for all KS3 and KS4 texts
1-9 copies of one text will cost £14 each.
10-19 copies of one text will cost £12 each.
20 or more copies of one text will cost £10 each.Any school that orders 20 or more copies of a particular text, will be able to buy more copies from then on at £10.
The Resource and Assessment Pack CD (usual price £35) will be provided FREE OF CHARGE,
to any school that orders/has ordered 20 or more copies of one text.

Each CD contains
Teachers’ Notes Star Challenge Answers Worksheets
Revision Sheets (with answers on the back, so that students can mark their own)
Assessments and Assessment Answers for each Topic

If you would like any more information, you are always welcome to get in touch.

You can reach me at barbara.young@mathsisjugglers.com or on 01428 717113.

Barbara (Maths enthusiast, teacher, writer and director of The ‘Maths is…’ Jugglers)

 

Maths

Why March can be a good month for the maths department ……

If you’re thinking of ordering new calculators, geometry sets etc then there’s some good news for you. In addition to their already competitive prices, Signpost Educational Ltd are giving away FREE products with qualifying orders during March 2016

a.  With any order of 50 or more scientific calculators you’ll receive a FREE sample of the Survival Pack (a useful set of pens, pencils and rubber, all packed in a handy zip-up polyester wallet…useful for both students and teachers) with a special price if you decide to order them in bulk.

b.  When you order 100 or more of the Casio FX 83 GT+,  FX 85GT+ or LK 183 scientific calcs you can order up to the same quantity of the Value Maths set for only 95p (usually priced from £ 1.10 to £ 1.20 ex vat)

The Value Maths set is a useful resource for students in maths lessons and particularly for handing out to students at the start of exams (full details on the Signpost Educational website).

So if it’s calculators you need then below are the most popular models:

Casio FX 83GT Plus  £5.49 (100+)   £5.65 (40+)  £5.75 (1-39)

Casio FX 85GT Plus   £6.65  (100+)  £6.75 (40+)  £6.90 (1-39)

Logik LK 183   £3.49  (100+)    £3.55 (40+)  £3.59 (1-39)

Texet Albert2  £3.45 (100+)   £3.55 (1-99)

Aurora AX 595 £4.55 (100+)   £4.62 (40+)   £4.69 (1-39)

all prices are ex vat.

Check out their website:  www.signposteducational.co.uk
You can order by email: signpost@talk21.com   fax on 020 7515 4420 or phone 020 7515 1797 and ask to speak to Martin Evans who will be pleased to help.

Maths

How to engage students in Maths?

Dr Alan Stokers MindMaths series is a comprehensive photocopiable resource of classroom materials for developing problem-solving skills with able students aged 9-14.  The resource is very versatile and both primary and secondary schools have found the resource complements their scheme of work and curriculum.

‘This is a useful resource for departments…….a great type of investigational work’ –
N Macleod Mathematical association and teacher Lomond school. 

The CD-ROM contains 10 units containing hundreds of tried & tested activities in worksheet format with comprehensive teaching notes and advice on preparation, planning, plenaries & extension work from well-known education advisor and author Dr. Alan Stoker.

Units include:

1: Number logic
2: Rules
3: Combinations
4: Sequences

We are pleased to be able to offer this resource at the new price of just £59.  Once purchased this resource (over 400 pages) may be used throughout the school.

View sample pages and order now at www.tempopublishing.co.uk
Alternatively ring me on 07564 291815.  Purchase orders can also been emailed to sales@tempopublishing.co.uk or sent to:

24 St. Andrews Road, Bexhill-on-sea, East Sussex TN40 2BQ

Thank you for your time, and please do take a look at the resource.

Jason
Tempo Publishing

 

English, Exams, Maths, School News

A troublesome problem for students and teachers alike…. but now there’s a simple, low cost and effective solution

Have you ever wondered how many lessons each day might be disrupted simply because  a few  students forget to bring the basic kit to their lessons.

No pens, no ruler, no pencils. This usually means wasted time while some students beg, steal or borrow what they need before any teaching can take place.

It can lead to frustration among those students who DO have what they need. They want to get on with the lesson but get fed up with the delay……and quite often there’s a bit of disturbance until everyone’s ready for the lesson to begin.

It can also add to the stress experienced by teaching staff if their lessons are cut short because of  delays.

But now there’s a simple and effective solution…  The “Student Essentials” set.

The “Student Essentials” set contains all that students need for most of their lessons… it contains three quality black ink pens, two full length HB pencils, a 15 cm ruler, a metal sharpener and an eraser, all packed in a clear, “exam friendly” A5 size wallet with a zip-slider.

If “Student Essentials” sets can be made available at the start of a school day,  perhaps from the school office or library, then at least students will have an opportunity to obtain what they need for most lessons. Disruptions and delays can become a thing of the past.

Details of “Student Essentials” sets can be found on the Signpost Educational website:
www.signposteducational.co.uk

“Student Essentials” sets (from just 75p ex vat) can be obtained from Signpost Educational Ltd, PO Box 999, London, E14 6SH

Contact them by email: signpost@talk21.com or phone: 020 7515 1797 or fax: 020 7515 4420

 

Maths

Written arithmetic activities for Years one to six

 

Year one written arithmetic activities

6 – 1 =

__ – 1 = 9

6 + 4 =

0 + 17 =

11 – 2 =

20 – 10 =

__ + 7 = 8

3 + 4 =

4 + 10 =

__ – 2 = 5

10 + 10 =

__ + 6 = 9

5 + 5 =

2 + 0 =

5 – 0 =

6 + 2 =

4 + 10 =

10 – 0 =

19 + 1 =

5 – __ = 5

__ + 2 = 8

12 + 6 =

__ – 1 = 1

3 + 14 =

Click here for answer pages or visit our website to order the full publication.

Year two written arithmetic activities

10 + 60 =

8 + 8 =

21 + 7 =

__ + 7 = 10

4 + 1 + 5 =

__ + 10 = 36

27 – 4 =

60 – 12 =

72 + 1 =

64 – 10 =

53 + 10 =

4 + __ = 8

½ of 20 =

100 – 100 =
79 + 19 = 54 + __ = 82
__ – 38 = 26 96 – 31 =

Click here for further activities or visit our website to order the full publication.

Year three written arithmetic activities

3 + 9 =

2 x 7 =

8 – 4 =

34 + 5 =

30 + 4 + 10 =

4 x __ = 8

100 + 30 + 6 =

76 + 10 =

50 – 1 =

236 – 100 =

364 – 3 =

28 + 11 =

263 – 10 =

313 + 5 =

5 + __ = 10

941 + 30 =

725 + 200 =

__ – 100 = 23

30 + 30 =

76 x 10 =

54 x 2 =

100 – 54 =

48 – 26 =

49 + 24 =

Click here for further activities and answer pages or visit our website to order the full publication.

Year four written arithmetic activities

4 x 5 =

½ x 84 =

10 x 46 =

9 x 3 =

60 ÷ 10 =

777 – 60 =

2/8 + 3/8 =

__ – 53 = 10

40 x 20 =

6 x 11 =

7 x 1 =

8/10 = __/100

4/5 – 1/5 =

3/4 = 0.__

__ x 9 = 81

77 x 1 =

100 ÷ 100 =

2 x 9 =

3 x 2 x 8 =

1,274 + 7,261 =

400 – 169 =

673 – 185 =

48 x 2 =

282 x 5 =

Click here for further activities and answer pages or visit our website to order the full publication.

Year five written arithmetic activities

52 – 1 =

1 x 42 =

__ ÷ 3 = 7

1/2 x 40 =

3/15 + 1/15 =

18 – __ = 8

2 x 48 =

23 + __ = 29

40 x 5 =

1/4 x 80 =

470 ÷ 10 =

50% x 140 =

12 x 7 =

100 – 7 =

__ x 12 = 120

1/9 + 3/9 =

258 + 729 =

86 ÷2 =

7.2 + 1.9 =

300 – 173 =

1,279 + 1,486 =

7.4 – 3.2 =

7.31 – 0.01 =

1 2/6 + 3/6 =

Click here for further activities and answer pages or visit our website to order the full publication.

Year six written arithmetic activities

3 + __ = 7

1/2 x 64 =

17 – 3 x 2 =

__ + 46 = 86

729 x 2 =

32 + 5 =

__ ÷ 4 = 8

1 x 215 =

10% of 100 =

3/4 ÷ 3 =

50% x 92 =

__ x 20 = 180

3/6 = 0.__

3/7 – 1/7 =

1,000,000 – 1 =

50 x 20 =

724 + 386 =

9.7 + 3.7 =

814 – 679 =

416 ÷ 4 =

4.8 – 1.7 =

7 7/8 + 2/8 =

3.2 + 73.62 =

9.7 – 3.45 =

Click here for further activities and answer pages or visit our website to order the full publication.

As always, you can order any of our resources in the following ways:

www.topical-resources.co.uk
sales@topical-resources.co.uk

Maths

Making Maths Magical

What is the one classroom activity that will enhance your pupils’ confidence in, and enjoyment of maths more than any other?

There are only a limited number of activities around that are designed specifically to increase children’s enjoyment of maths.  And yet the more children do see maths as an enjoyable subject the more confidence they will have in the subject – and the more rapidly their studies will progress.

Which is why we created Magical Maths.

Magical Maths is a school based workshop aimed at either KS1 or KS2 students.  It is taught on a class-by-class basis with up to five classes being taught during the course of the day, with each class session lasting 45 minutes to an hour.

The sessions are based around the notion of magic, and indeed the practitioner who leads the sessions is a member of the Magic Circle.  Children practice and perform the magic tricks that are taught during the workshop – magic which is all based on National Curriculum maths.

As a result the children gain new mathematical insights and revel in their new-found positive relationship with mathematics.

To enquire about a possible booking please call me on 07870 215675 or email Jasmine@Jasminesmagicparties.co.uk with the words MAGIC MATHS in the subject line.

 

Maths

Some teenagers love the drama of a good problem

We all look round for the cavalry when faced with a big problem and most of us have a ‘go to’ person who knows how to do almost everything.  But this knowledge only comes with experience.

So how do you give young people the opportunity to solve problems and develop creative thinking skills whilst they are still at school?

STEM resources have been developed to provide teachers with a way of giving students experience of solving problems and gaining confidence in how to respond to challenges. Good maths based problem solving exercises are hard to come by.

So in order that students might see how things can easily go wrong and how, by working together and sharing information they can go right, we’ve put together a business exercise called Safe Delivery which is designed to give students experience of solving a difficult maths based problem and to develop creative thinking skills.

The exercise is suitable for small teams of KS4 and 6th form students who will each act as managers in a business.  Each manager will have individual briefing notes which they must read carefully and then communicate to the rest of their team.

The Scenario – The MD has ordered a huge fire resistant storage cabinet for the business that will house a new ‘server’ on which information will be stored. It is Friday afternoon and the cabinet is being delivered Saturday morning. It must be installed in the General Office by Monday morning – an office floor plan of the building is provided.  A team meeting is called and the managers sit down to work out how this problem will be undertaken.

This resource contains: For the students:
A memo that sets out the task
5 detailed briefs for different managers in the business and one scribe
A floor plan of the office building showing all the obstacles that need to be overcome

For the teacher:
Clear teachers’ guidance notes that explain how to run the exercise
A snapshot crucial information chart
The written solution
The solution on a power point presentation

There are more details at…
http://c-l-e.co.uk/buy-teaching-resources-online/safe-delivery-exercise/

You can pay and download the exercise direct from our website using Paypal or you may wish to pay with a purchase order number. Simply e-mail your purchase order number to us and we will send the exercise to you along with the invoice for payment.  For more information e-mail Julie@c-l-e.co.uk

Maths, Numeracy

Joining the DfE’s war against innumeracy.

The BBC and other well-known news’ services report that the DfE has declared war on innumeracy with upcoming policies that will result in pupils in England being tested on their times tables up to 12×12 at the age of 11 using an “on-screen check”.

According to the BBC the checks will be piloted to about 3,000 pupils in 80 primary schools this summer, before being rolled out across the country in 2017.

Education Secretary, Nicky Morgan, commented: “Since 2010, we’ve seen record numbers of 11 year olds start secondary school with a good grasp of the three Rs. But some continue to struggle.”

“That is why, as part of our commitment to extend opportunity and deliver educational excellence everywhere we are introducing a new check to ensure that all pupils know their times tables by age 11.”

“They will help teachers recognise those pupils at risk of falling behind and allow us to target those areas where children aren’t being given a fair shot to succeed.”

Our Written Arithmetic Questions for Years one to six each provide thirty weeks of written arithmetic questions and will support you in joining the DfE’s war against innumeracy.

What’s more, times tables feature frequently throughout the question books which will support your pupils in their preparation for the upcoming on-screen times tables tests.

This volumes contain carefully graded arithmetic questions, each with their own full page answer sheet, and covers topics such as number, calculations and fractions.

The price for the books depends on the format required: paper book (£17.95) or a download from our website (£13.95 + VAT).

As always, you can order any of our resources in the following ways:

BBC article link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-35216318
www.topical-resources.co.uk
sales@topical-resources.co.uk

– See more at: http://www.schoolsare.us/#sthash.1sLv6Uvj.dpuf

Maths

Cover Teacher who thinks a vulgar fraction is a row on ‘Eastenders’?

According to figures from the Dept for Education, the average secondary school teacher has about four working days off a year due to illness.  Of course this incorporates teachers who have a long time out with a serious illness as well as the 44% of teachers who are fortunate enough to go a whole year not getting ill at all.

These numbers show why the need for ready-made materials for supply teachers who cover Maths classes is as vital as ever.   For even when something has been left from the previous lesson, there are always going to be those who finish the work rapidly, and need something else to do.

Which is why the Absent Maths Teacher volume of worksheets was developed.

The worksheets within the volume cover a wide range of topics and range of ability – and are all designed so that they can be used as a one-off in an emergency, or as a series of highly varied tasks over a number of days, should the absence be unexpectedly protracted.

Activities range from drawing Venn diagrams showing the intersection of two sets, to working out profit and loss percentages.

Each topic area is followed by a wide range of questions, an extension task through which (for example) the students are required to balance equations, and a homework task in which the students have to copy a series of diagrams and find the value of angle x.

The volume covers such topics as the rules for algebra, decimals, equations, geometry, powers, statistics, etc. etc.

Each lesson in the volume is printed on a single page and is simple to photocopy instantly for any class that suddenly requires the lesson.

The Absent Maths Teacher Worksheets collection is available from Hamilton House priced at £30 plus £2.95 delivery.

You can order the Absent Maths Teacher worksheets collection by filling in the order form and sending it by fax, email, or post (see contact details below). Alternatively, if you have a school order number, you can order by phone.

First and Best in Education, Earlstrees Court, Earlstrees Road, Corby, Northants, NN17 4HH
Telephone: 01536 399 011      Fax: 01536 399 01      Email: sales@firstandbest.co.uk

Maths

Why November and December can be good months for the maths department ……

If you’re thinking of ordering new calculators, geometry sets etc then there’s some good news for you. In addition to their already competitive prices, Signpost Educational Ltd are giving away FREE products with qualifying orders during the months of November and December 2015.

a.  With any order of 50 or more scientific calculators you’ll receive a FREE sample of the Survival Pack (a useful set of pens, pencils and rubber, all packed in a handy zip-up polyester wallet…useful for both students and teachers) with a special price if you decide to order them  in bulk.

b.  When you order 100 or more of  the Casio FX 83 GT+, FX 85GT+ or LK 183 scientific calcs you can order up to the same quantity (or fewer) of the Value Maths set for only 95p (usually priced from £1.10 to £1.20 ex vat)

c.  When you order 150 or more of any the above three calculators you’ll get five Value Maths sets completely FREE  ……… so if it’s calculators you need then below are their most popular models:

Casio FX 83GT Plus    £5.49  (100+)  £5.65  (40+)  £5.75  (1-39)

Casio FX 85GT Plus    £6.65  (100+)  £6.75  (40+)  £6.90  (1-39)

Logik LK 183     £3.49  (100+)  £3.55  (40)  £3.59  (1-39)

Texet Albert2     £3.45  (100+)  £3.55  (1-99)

Aurora AX 595   £4.55  (100+)  £4.62  ( 40+)  £4.69  (1-39)

all prices are ex vat.

Check out their website:  www.signposteducational.co.uk
You can order by email: signpost@talk21.com   fax on 020 7515 4420
or phone 020 7515 1797 and ask to speak to Martin Evans who will be pleased to help.

Maths

GCSE Maths For Schools

“I used this program on two of my students and they boosted their results by one whole letter grade…”

Dear head of department,

This is what Miss Moult, head of maths at Chipping Sodbury School, said after she trialled my GCSE maths program:

“I used this program on two of my students and they boosted their results by one whole letter grade. I’ve now decided to roll-this-out to 12 of my resit students…”

My GCSE maths revision program is being used by dozens of schools across the UK and they’re reaping the benefits. To find out more about my revision program and how you can use it in your school, please visit my website: www.gcsemathsforschools.co.uk

Kind regards

Jeevan Singh

GCSE Maths For Schools

Maths

Making Maths Magical

What is the one classroom activity that will enhance your pupils’ confidence in, and enjoyment of maths more than any other?

There are only a limited number of activities around that are designed specifically to increase children’s enjoyment of maths.  And yet the more children do see maths as an enjoyable subject the more confidence they will have in the subject – and the more rapidly their studies will progress.

Which is why we created Magical Maths.

Magical Maths is a school based workshop aimed at either KS1 or KS2 students.  It is taught on a class-by-class basis with up to five classes being taught during the course of the day, with each class session lasting 45 minutes to an hour.

The sessions are based around the notion of magic, and indeed the practitioner who leads the sessions is a member of the Magic Circle.  Children practice and perform the magic tricks that are taught during the workshop – magic which is all based on National Curriculum maths.

As a result the children gain new mathematical insights and revel in their new-found positive relationship with mathematics.

To enquire about a possible booking please call me on 07870 215675 or email Jasmine@Jasminesmagicparties.co.uk with the words MAGIC MATHS in the subject line.

 

Maths, Numeracy, Special Needs

Teaching maths to pupils with dyslexia

What is the most surprising finding from research in teaching maths to pupils who have dyslexia?

“Maths and Dyslexia”, first published in 1998, is probably the most ground-breaking maths volume ever produced.

It is ground-breaking because it faced up to the biggest mathematical conundrums of all time.

It has long been known that the most effective way of helping pupils who are poor at maths is through a multi-sensory method of teaching. 

But research has also revealed that self-esteem enhancement programmes will often raise maths achievement more than remedial maths teaching.

In its introductory pages “Maths and Dyslexia” asks how this can be the case and, for the first time ever, not only provides an answer, but also provides a way of combining the teaching of maths through multi-sensory means and a way of raising maths ability through enhancing self-esteem.

Indeed, it is not too much of an exaggeration to say that the opening six page section of “Maths and Dyslexia”, which reviews the research relating to maths teaching and self-esteem, is one of the most important reviews of remedial maths teaching written.

After this the volume offers a wide range of information on methods of teaching maths, methods of learning maths, and associated study skills.

It then goes on to provide a wide array of placement and progress tests and worksheets for pupils who experience difficulties with the four basic functions of maths, plus decimals, fractions and percentages.

There are also sections on motivation, memory, and ways of working with parents.

This publication also comes with 400 blank cards in various colours to be used with the activities given.

The resource is available as a set of copiable pages so that the pages which detail the research findings can be shared with colleagues and the worksheets can be copied and given to pupils.

The price, including full copying rights for use within the school, is £29.99.

You can find more information on our website.

You can order Maths and Dyslexia in any of these ways:

  • On our website
  • By phone on 01536 399017
  • By fax to 01536 399012
  • By email to msl@schools.co.uk  
  • By post to Multi-Sensory Learning, Earlstrees Court, Earlstrees Road, Corby, NN17 4HH

Maths

Making Maths Magical

What is the one classroom activity that will enhance your pupils’ confidence in, and enjoyment of maths more than any other?

There are only a limited number of activities around that are designed specifically to increase children’s enjoyment of maths.  And yet the more children do see maths as an enjoyable subject the more confidence they will have in the subject – and the more rapidly their studies will progress.

Which is why we created Magical Maths.

Magical Maths is a school based workshop aimed at either KS1 or KS2 students.  It is taught on a class-by-class basis with up to five classes being taught during the course of the day, with each class session lasting 45 minutes to an hour.

The sessions are based around the notion of magic, and indeed the practitioner who leads the sessions is a member of the Magic Circle.  Children practice and perform the magic tricks that are taught during the workshop – magic which is all based on National Curriculum maths.

As a result the children gain new mathematical insights and revel in their new-found positive relationship with mathematics.

To enquire about a possible booking please call me on 07870 215675 or email Jasmine@Jasminesmagicparties.co.uk with the words MAGIC MATHS in the subject line.

Financial management, Maths, PSHE and Citizenship

Would you like to increase maths and financial literacy skills in key stage 3 students?

Would you like to increase maths and financial literacy skills in key stage 3 students?

We have designed a series of practical team based exercises for key stage 3 that will help to develop students’ financial literacy, maths and business awareness skills.

The Paper Tower Exercise will help develop teamwork, communication and problem solving skills. Students have to work together to build the highest Paper Tower for the least possible cost. Financial and maths skills are put to the test as students work out how much they have spent on resources. Time penalties apply.  The exercise easily fits into a single lesson and contains a resources checklist, timings and assessment criteria. Cost only £10

The Oil Rig Platform Exercise A practical problem solving exercise designed to simulate the workings of a team of engineers, trying to find a solution to a problem.  Students are divided into teams and challenged to build a small scale model and work out how much it costs to build using only set materials. To test for safety the platform must be able to support the weight of a brick! Will your students design it so cheaply that it collapses or will they spend more money to make it strong and sturdy?  The exercise runs over one lesson.  The winning team is the one who can build the oil rig, support the weight of a brick and is the cheapest to build.  Cost only £20

The Jazzy Jotters Exercise the task is to design, produce and sell Jazzy Jotter notebooks and make a profit.  The class is divided into small teams and job roles agreed.  Each team is given a £10 loan which they use to buy raw materials and basic equipment.  Financial decisions are taken and by working together they strive to make a profit within the time allowed.  Students enjoy dealing with the money and haggling for a good deal.  Contains worksheets, money, job roles, account sheets and is really easy to deliver.  Cost only £25

The Dice Exercise The task is to run a small business that manufactures Dice. Students develop their maths and financial literacy skills and their knowledge of fixed and variable costs, the calculations of total costs, revenue and profit. Students are divided into small teams, given management job roles and a production line formed. Teams are given a £40 loan to buy raw materials and basic equipment.  Financial decisions are taken, equipment purchased, the deadline set and production begins. The accountant must keep a careful record of every purchase and every sale. Will the students haggle to get a good deal or just accept the price offered? Who will make a good profit and win the exercise? Cost Only £25

Special offer – Buy all four items for £70

You can pay and download the exercise direct from our website using Paypal or you may wish to pay with a purchase order number. If you would like to take advantage of the special offer price or order with a purchase order please e-mail Julie@c-l-e.co.uk. Your order will be dealt with within 24 hours.

Julie O’Brien
Creative Learning Events
0113 3909814
07977 489779
www.c-l-e.co.uk