GCSE

Did you know? Notes from the history of Maths

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

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

Exam Tips 4 – Anti-panic strategy – by Nicola Morgan

The stress chemicals that propel our body and brain into a brilliant, fizzing state of readiness for action sometimes over-react. It’s not clear why some people tip into panic while others stay outwardly calm and perform perfectly under pressure, but there’s likely a combination of factors, such as: Personality… Read More

What is the point of GCSE Mathematics?

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

Relay Analysis: Using talk to improve written analysis

‘Kids who can’t write for toffee are generally less than competent with the spoken word…’ Phil Beadle. I recently heard the great Phil Beadle talk at a training event. He passionately extolled the virtues of developing students’ use of spoken English, in order to improve their writing. I had been… Read More

Exam Tips 3: Asking for help

You will have told pupils to ask for help when they need it. But do they leave it too late? Do they sometimes just not ask at all? And do they sometimes ask for help before they’ve even tried, retreating into paralysis? Also, be completely honest: is it possible… Read More

Wish you were…analysing language!

Being able to comment on the effects of language choices is essential to achieving grade C and above in GCSE English. Nonetheless students often struggle with this, getting tangled up in knots listing any literary terms they can remember and forgetting that the foundation of all language is words.A recent… Read More