Starts with the basic tests for numbers up to 10, then looks at tests for higher numbers and finally problem solving using divisibility tests. Also looks at proofs of some of the tests using algebra. Worksheets at end for printing.

Pupils eliminate suspects/weapons/rooms by completing worksheets on a range of algebra topics including substitution, expanding, factorising, linear & quadratic equations, algebraic fractions and simultaneous linear equations. Works well as revision or as a competition. Also includes answers and a worksheet to remind pupils of techniques required.

Worksheet where answers to questions are used to obtain a 3-digit code (which I set as the combination to a lockable money box containing a prize). Questions on a mixture of all the GCSE-standard percentage skills.

A set of powerpoints covering all topics in FP1. Examples labelled WB correspond to the separately attached 'Workbook&' (I give this as a single booklet so pupils have a clear model answer to each topic). References to Exercises are from the Pearson Edexcel FP1 textbook.

Maze consists of squares containing identities, some of which are false. Pupils can only pass through squares containing true identities. Identities require ability to expand & factorise quadratic expressions and simplify algebraic fractions, so really only good for a GCSE top set. Extension - pupils find identities of incorrect squares and then design their own maze (there's a good discussion to be had about how to make a good maze - including common misconceptions to fool people).

San Gaku, also known as Japanese Temple Problems, are challenging geometric puzzles requiring anything from Pythagoras' theorem (as in the questions chosen here) to much more complex maths to solve. The activity aims to introduce the style of problem through a few select questions, each with a numerical as well as an algebraic part. Answers, printable worksheets and interactive GSP also included.

Pupils eliminate suspects/weapons/rooms by completing worksheets on a range of fraction, percentage and decimal skills (see separate instructions). Works well as revision or as a competition. Also includes answers and a worksheet to remind pupils of techniques required.

The first of two complete lessons on distance-time graphs that assumes pupils have done speed calculations before. Examples and activities on calculating speed from a distance-graph and a matching activity adapted from the Mathematics Assessment Project. Printable worksheets and answers included. Please review it if you download as any feedback is appreciated!

Maze consists of squares containing questions with answers, some of which are wrong. Pupils are only allowed to pass through squares containing correct answers. Extension - pupils design their own maze. I like to discuss how to make the maze harder by including classic misconceptions like divide by 5 to get 5%

Worksheet where answers to questions are used to obtain a 3-digit code (which I set as the combination to a lockable money box containing a prize).

Classic quiz with question on angle rules, including simple parallel lines and knowledge of shape properties. Answers on last slide. Hope no-one minds my use of an image of Bob Holness - he will always be the face of Blockbusters to me!

Fun quiz where pupils get to run around while still doing maths. Goes down an absolute storm! Can be easily adapted to other topics. See separate instructions.

A set of powerpoints covering all topics in M2. Examples labelled WB correspond to the separately attached 'Workbook&' (I give this as a single booklet so pupils have a clear model answer to each topic). References to Exercises are from the Pearson Edexcel M2 textbook.

One significant figure estimation is a boring topic, so what better than a rubbish joke to go with it? Pupils answer questions and use the code to reveal a feeble gag. Mistakes on first version now corrected.

Maze consists of squares containing questions (on addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of fractions) with answers, some of which are wrong. Pupils are only allowed to pass through squares containing correct answers. Extension - pupils design their own maze (I like to discuss how they can make their maze harder by including classic misconceptions). Extra worksheet included to help pupils think about misconceptions (warning - this may well confuse weaker pupils!)

Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions is a good topic, so what better than a joke to reward pupils' efforts? Pupils answer questions and use the code to reveal a funny gag.

A complete lesson on introducing 3-figure bearings. Activities included: Starter: A quick set of questions to remind pupils of supplementary angles. Main: A quick puzzle to get pupils thinking about compass points. Slides to introduce compass points, the compass and 3-figure bearings. Examples and questions for pupils to try on finding bearings fro m diagrams. A set of worksheets with a progression in difficulty, from correctly measuring bearings and scale drawings to using angle rules to find bearings. Includes some challenging questions involving three points, that should promote discussion about different approaches to obtaining an answer. Plenary: A prompt to discuss how the bearings of A from B and B from A are connected. Printable worksheets and answers included. Please review if you buy as any feedback is appreciated!

A lesson or two of functional maths activities exploring a visual breakdown of the Budget that I found on the Guardian website recently. Requires knowledge of percentage change and reverse percentage problems. Starts with relatively straight forward calculations but gets a bit more political towards the end!

A complete lesson (or maybe two) on finding an original amount, given a sale price or the value of something after it has been increased. Looks at both calculator and non-calculator methods. Activities included: Starter: A set of four puzzles where pupils work their way back to 100%, given another percentage. Main: Examples, quick questions for pupils to try and a worksheet on calculator methods for reversing a percentage problem. Examples, quick questions for pupils to try and a worksheet on non- calculator methods for reversing a percentage problem. Both worksheets have been scaffolded to help pupils with this tricky topic. A challenging extension task where pupils form and solve equations involving connected amounts. Plenary: A final question to address the classic misconception for this topic. Printable worksheets and answers included. Please review if you buy as any feedback is appreciated!

Worksheet where answers to questions are used to obtain a 3-digit code (which I set as the combination to a lockable money box containing a prize). Pupils race to finish first and crack the safe.

A complete lesson with the 9-1 GCSE Maths specification in mind. Activities included: Starter: Some recap questions on solving two-step linear equations (needed later in the lesson). Main: An introduction to Fibonacci sequences, followed by a quick activity where pupils extend Fibonacci sequences. A challenging, rich task, inspired by one of TES user scottyknowles18’s excellent sequences rich tasks. Pupils try to come up with Fibonacci sequences that fit different criteria (eg that the 4th term is 10). Great for encouraging creativity and discussion. A related follow up activity where pupils try to find missing numbers in given Fibonacci sequences, initially by trial and error, but then following some explanation, by forming and solving linear equations. Extension - a slightly harder version of the follow up activity. Plenary: A look at an alternative algebraic method for finding missing numbers. Some slides could be printed as worksheets, although it’s not strictly necessary. Answers to most tasks included, but not the open-ended rich task. Please review if you buy as any feedback is appreciated!