This is an interesting investigation which mainly covers the topics of rearranging formulae, expanding brackets and simplifying expressions. However, there are some links to ICT as the words input and output are introduced to students. The pupils are asked to think of a domino and using all the possible digits on the domino as input (if the numbers on the domino were 1 and 6: A=1 and B=6) into a given algorithm find an output. The pupils are then asked to find a formula which connects the input and output. This investigation is very logical and gets students to see patterns, but there is also a very logical, satisfying solution to the problem which is sequential and hopefully gets students to appreciate the rigor of mathematics.

This investigation (includes teacher notes and worksheets) is suited to very able KS4 groups and those in KS5 studying Maths. It covers the topics of convergence, subject of a formula and even can be expanded to iteration for more advanced learners. Pupils are given a starting value of a sequence, which they multiply by 3, add 10 to then and finally divide by 4 to generate the next term in the sequence. They then multiply this value by 3, add ten to it and divide by 4 to get the next term and so forth, generating the sequence in an iterative manner until the sequence converges. The goal of this investigation is to find a relationship between the initial starting value of the sequence and that which it converges to. This can be explained in a satisfying algebraic way using subject of the formula although pupils may offer other alternative explanations.

This resource is intended for sixth form and university students and is an example of a first class essay, for which the topic was Mathematical Modelling. The essay is annotated with commentary (in red) which describes why the essay was a first and the steps the author went through in completing the essay as well as some general hints and tips. This could be used as part of a study skills workshop for students or just a general seminar on what constitutes good essay writing. An example of an activity for this resource could be to omit the commentary and ask the students themselves to annotate the essay and comment on why they think it was a first, before then resupplying them with the essay but this time with the commentary. This may be a useful way of assessing students’ perceptions of what it takes to get a first in an essay.

A handy list of tips and tricks to help students write an essay at any level to the best of their ability. Suitable for KS3/4 and college students.

A handy resource with 3 separate diagrams of circles showing each part clearly labelled as well as diagrams of basic 2-D shapes and their area formulae. Although mainly suitable for students at KS3 Maths, this resource would also specifically those pupils in KS4 studying Foundation. It is especially useful for those pupils who struggle to retain information and acts as a handy prompt to remember key formulae.

A useful revision aid on all the 2-D shapes whom students will encounter in the KS3/GCSE Mathematics curriculum, with notes on their properties and different types of shapes. Also includes a section on polygons for higher ability learners.

Of most use to college and university students and those in KS4, this essay provides clear and simple instructions on how to be critical (evaluate) in an essay, providing 3 main frameworks from which to do so.

A very helpful resource which introduces students to the concept of paraphrasing in an essay. This simple and easy to understand resource is intended to act as a starter resource on paraphrasing which breaks down the steps used in order to paraphrase, explaining it fully. This guide may be useful for KS4 students, those at college or in the early years of university.

A model CV for a GCSE or college student (with some parts hidden to preserve anonymity). Useful for pupils in applying for jobs or to create an academic CV and could help them with the creation of their own CV as it provides a clear template with how to structure and what to include in their CV.

A useful template for creating covering letters, which could be used as part of general studies or careers education (PSHE/citizenship) and help pupils create their own covering letter, perhaps for a volunteer position or applying for an actual job.

This is a short maths test aimed at pupils in KS3. It could be used as a baseline assessment to determine their level at the start of a year as it covers the majority of the basic skills- working out the area and perimeter of a shape, ordering decimals, simplifying fractions and so forth needed to succeed at Mathematics.

This resource is aimed as an extension activity for higher ability learners as it asks questions in a worded form on Circumference and Area. Useful as an extension, plenary or to consolidate learning of pupils.

A simple resource demonstrating how to calculate the area and circumference of a circle with worked examples clearly illustrating the methods behind answering the question. At the beginning of the resource, children are reminded of the precise definitions of Circumference, Diameter and Radius. Students can use this resource to help them with working out the area and circumference of a circle and and also for revision too. Primarily this resource should be aimed at those pupils in KS3 Maths, though older pupils may benefit from this as a refresher of some basic skills.

A Powerpoint on writing equations and formulae for KS3 and GCSE Foundation Maths Students. The Powerpoint contains enough material for a whole lesson. As well as showing pupils how to write expressions and formulae, this Powerpoint also covers how to substitute numbers into formulae, with real-life worked examples provided. Plenty of questions are included for pupils to attempt with an extension of solving equations to test more able pupils.

A Powerpoint which can be used as a whole lesson to teach pupils about sample space diagrams. Although intended for KS3 pupils, the content of the resource is also applicable for GCSE foundation students. The powerpoint is very interactive and allows students to get involved at every opportunity, with a strong link to literacy as students are prompted to learn the definition of key words.

This is a Powerpoint teaching students how to find the interior and exterior angles of a polygon. It is equally suitable for KS3 and GCSE Foundation Maths students. There is sufficient material in the Powerpoint for at least 1 lesson, possibly 2 depending on how fast your class covers the content. The powerpoint shows pupils how to work out the interior and exterior angles of a polygon, firstly by providing them with key terms to learn, then by allowing them to investigate the link between the sum of the interior angles in a shape and the number of sides it has, before linking that to the exterior angle of a polygon. Other topics covered by this Powerpoint include: properties of shape, angle laws, generalising and substitution.