GCSE Maths

Getting GCSE maths revision right!

18th Nov 2022

The run up to GCSEs can be a very difficult time for Year 11 students. Often, they are still learning new material but are aware of the need to practice and consolidate earlier learning so they are ready for their examinations. This year’s Year 11 students may feel even… Read More

Any two will do: developing students’ modelling and problem solving skills

2nd Nov 2017

Here is an activity which aims to help develop students’ modelling and problem solving skills. It requires knowledge of Pythagoras’ theorem, solving simultaneous equations and all things quadratical. Solutions to activities are included in order to highlight possible class discussion points. The activity is also available to download… Read More

Packing for the holidays

9th Dec 2015

The ‘travelling to relatives’ season is nearly upon us. With this comes the need to pack suitcases and make sure you can fit everything in without leaving any important Christmas items behind. Packing is a very logical mathematical exercise and when packing anything from suitcases, the boot of your car,… Read More

The Magical Number Seven

15th Jul 2015

  Newcastle University hosted the ‘Numbers Festival’ from 27th June to 5th July 2015 in a variety of venues in and around Newcastle. The main aim for the festival was to promote… Read More

Collins GCSE Maths Festival – The evolution of mathematics teaching

27th Mar 2015

Mathematics teaching has evolved over many years and of course changes somewhat as the assessment process changes. Those of us involved over the last 30 years in both teaching and assessing mathematics have seen the pendulum swing in different directions! Read More

Collins GCSE Maths Festival – The implications of the new curriculum – how to teach Higher Tier

26th Mar 2015

The opening comments in my blog of Monday about delivering the Foundation Tier, were from Mr Gove's announcement concerning the outcome of the consultation over the revision of the Mathematics GCSE syllabus. Although the text itself may not be familiar I am sure that the ideas expressed certainly are not: broader, deeper content; more contact time. Read More

Did you know? Notes from the history of Maths

20th Jan 2015

Credit where credit is due Abstract: This article outlines the work of Paolo Ruffini who first gave a proof of the impossibility of an algebraic solution to quintic equations. This year, 2015, will be the 250th anniversary of the birth of Paolo Ruffini (1765-1822). You can… Read More

Did you know? Notes from the history of Maths

20th Jan 2015

Credit where credit is due Abstract: This article outlines the work of Paolo Ruffini who first gave a proof of the impossibility of an algebraic solution to quintic equations. This year, 2015, will be the 250th anniversary of the birth of Paolo Ruffini (1765-1822). You can… Read More

Did you know? Notes from the history of Maths

20th Jan 2015

Credit where credit is due Abstract: This article outlines the work of Paolo Ruffini who first gave a proof of the impossibility of an algebraic solution to quintic equations. This year, 2015, will be the 250th anniversary of the birth of Paolo Ruffini (1765-1822). You can… Read More

What is the point of GCSE Mathematics?

15th Dec 2014

Here are some mathematics learning objectives. The question is this. Are they taken from the programme of study for key stage 3 or the GCSE subject content and assessment objectives? Define percentage as “number of parts per hundred”; interpret percentages and percentage changes as a fraction or a decimal, interpret… Read More