More algebra please!

So let’s do it. More algebra please! Let’s banish the fear and ensure it’s universally well taught. Naomi Sani has taught for 18 years in both primary and secondary sectors. She is also a freelance consultant and an INSET provider. Naomi's blogspot

What else?

• When letters having meaning, algebra can be easier. Try shivabob’s paperclip activity to give those perplexing symbols a real context.
• Create a colourful algebra community with tafkam’s algebra hunt.

See what the TES Community have to say

• Is the head of maths role in a large secondary one of the most demanding positions in education? That's the debate going on in the TES Maths forum.

In the Spotlight - Brightstorm

New TES partner, Brightstorm has recorded over 250 video tutorials to help students over the crucial revision period.

Check out their website for over 2500 free maths and science tutorials.

Resource of the Week

• Who should win the price? – Students in your class are each assigned a different student (in groups) and must campaign for their particular student and give reasons for why they should win More…the prize.

A bloody good show

What else?

The Duchess of Malfi is at the Old Vic.

• Introduce students to the style, people and architecture of Jacobean England in anna_wex‘s photo slideshow.
• For something different from Shakespeare, why not explore one of the other Jacobean literary greats - Christopher Marlowe with Miss_s_k.
• Show students’ the playwright’s original scribbles with copies of the First Folio available from the Globe Theatre. Or try their manga Shakespeare for an accessible introduction for younger pupils.

Olympic Poems is a book of 58 poems- all with a sporting feel.

• An extract from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s ‘Ulysses’ has been selected to be engraved on the Olympic village wall. Explore the poem and others with a heroic theme in helpfulnomad’s lesson.
• Or, test students’ wit with Sazo123’s poetry challenge to create the best Olympic acrostic.

See what the TES Community have to say

• Can you add to the list of suitable Jacobean tragedies for GCSE?

In the Spotlight

Trippingly on the tongue

• Practise Shakespearean essay technique with TESEnglish's step-by-step guide to a 'character of Capulet' essay.
• Or try Daniel Ingman's scheme of work, unraveling the key elements of essay technique one lesson at a time.
• Start planning Shakespeare's birthday celebrations with the TES Shakespeare collection.
• Stick with the Shakespearean spirit and create a box theatre to stage your own 'midsummer night's dream' with instructions from early Shakespeare.
• Mod83 shares 20 one page role play scripts for a humorous and creative exploration of emotions.

Resource of the Week - A rhyme for a runner

• Heroic Deeds: Poetry for the Olympics - An extract from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s ‘Ulysses’. Explore the poem and others with a heroic theme in helpfulnomad’s lesson.
• Olympic Poetry Writing PowerPoint - Test students’ wit with Sazo123’s poetry challenge to create the best Olympic acrostic.

Music

Musical inspiration

What else?

• Check out Johnny’s Top of the Pops performance on youtube.
• Introduce students to some of the great composers of the big screen with zoage’s presentation.

See what the TES Community have to say

Looking for advice about a Film Music unit? Or do you have great ideas to share? Join the discussion in the TES music forum.

Resource of the Week - Keep Calm and Smash It

• Keep Calm and Smash It
• Want to make the best of cricket training? Try amygaunt’s unit plan for a step-by-step guide.

In the Spotlight: Computer excellence

• Strategic Information Pack will be sent out to every secondary school in England, schools need to register their interest by April 30.

Curious about Curie

What else?

• Why not try allenk’s introduction to Marie Curie to get started with your own French culture/ language project.
• For guidance and resources to help devise your own cross curricular drama lessons contact Mike Butler.

Contributor of the Week

Primary Spanish provider, Speekee has shared 61 resources on TES which incorporate clear planning and progression, imaginative use of authentic language in engaging video clips, and creative activity ideas to develop language use’.

• Hello and thank you
• Contento/ Triste
• Simple road safety song

Visit the Speekee website

See what the TES Community have to say

• As exam season approaches, concern about last year’s marking is rising in the MFL forums.

In the Spotlight - Crossing the Equator

• Organised as part of the British Council’s ‘Connecting Classrooms’ scheme, students taught in a Ugandan school while learning about customs and language from their newfound peers.
• Why not try something different? Get students learning Swahili with pianocookie’s scheme of work.