Tag Archives: resource

363. A-level Exam misconceptions 2022

It’s been a while, but I’m back. Crazy times and all that!

Today I’m sharing a presentation about my thoughts on the Edexcel A-Level Maths papers, from the perspective of reviewing students papers. As a KS5 Co-ordinator I am asked by students to look at borderline papers before they send them off for a paper review.

The mark schemes were very clear on where marks should (or should not) be awarded. This presentation (or set of posters) highlights the most common student errors I spotted during my reviews. I would also say that these are most frustrating issues as they are so easy to fix. Unfortunately it highlights the lack of formal external exam experience this cohort had, through no fault of their own.

These resources are geared towards the Edexcel papers, but I’m sure the skills are equally appropriate for other boards. Also a hat-tip to Jack Brown & TLMaths as I have linked one of the misconception slides to his video on hidden quadratic equations (thank you!).

Exam misconceptions 2022 (PPT editable)

Exam misconceptions 2022 (PDF)

Personally, I’m going to print these out and put them in my A-level display corner. I might use the actual presentation after the Y13 mocks to see if they’ve fallen for the same issues. I hope not!

336. Geometry Snacks

If you are looking for a very last minute gift for that special Mathematician in your life, or you have Christmas money to spend, may I recommend “Geometry Snacks” by Ed Southall (@solvemymaths) and Vincent Pantaloni (@panlepan)?

It is a nearly pocket sized book of geometry puzzles whose construct of simple, elegant problems can decieve the unwary into thinking the solutions are easy. This is a book for those who embrace mathematical rigour, rather than repetitious guesswork.

In fact, forget buying it for someone else – get one just for yourself!

Geometry Snacks is published by Tarquin (ISBN: 9 781911 093701)

306. Robson to the Rescue – a classroom essential

Here in the UK there are major curriculum changes going on. There is new content in the curriculum – unless you are a certain age, in which case it’s old stuff coming back. All the current class textbooks will be missing chunks of the syllabi and who can afford to buy class sets of new ones. Canny teachers are filling the gaps with worksheets and booklets. However that in class reference for these topics is an issue.

I thought I’d get a few class maths dictionaries – you know, the little pocket sized ones. Dead-end: no one publishes them anymore. Then I thought ‘Just get standard Maths dictionaries’: no chance, they are over £10 each. I saw a celebrity endorsed child’s Maths support book in my local discount store, bright and colourful, only £5 … except it didn’t have the content for GCSE. I was about to give up when a search of Amazon took me back to 1979…

Peter Robson published his Maths Dictionary through Newby books back in 1979.

It’s got the new curriculum fairly well covered too. The diagrams date it a little, but for roughly £4 it is a little gem.There are not only facts, but examples and diagrams in an unintimidating fashion. It’s also a handy A5 booklet size.

I’ve bought one for each of my group tables. It’s available from lots of online retailers, including a bulk discount for 10 or more on Amazon. I’d suggest getting one for yourself to review and then leave in your desk drawer for general reference.

The ISBN is: 978-1-872686-18-9

Thank you Mr Robson 

305. Get Carter

Seriously, you need to Get Carter ….

Get Carter 1971 Poster

Or rather head over to the amazing website by Mr Darren Carter: MrCarterMaths.com

I don’t know where to start – in a few clicks you have access to tiered questions on a multitude of topics with answers. Answer in an exercise book or on a mini whiteboard – it’s genius! Another click and the questions change.

If that wasn’t enough, you can print out individual worksheets at each level – differentiation without a headache.

I chose to print out the three tiers and award them points. Bronze = 1 point, Silver = 2 points, Gold = 3 points. I put together a cover sheet with instructions and the students instantly had control of their homework. All I asked for was 20 points of answers. The ones who need the practise can do lots of low scoring questions, the ones who need a challenge can do fewer questions at a harder level. My task is available to download below (full credit to Mr Carter given) – It prints nicely as an A5 booklet.

Tiered Proportion Homework Booklet

Once you’ve visited the site, follow him on Twitter @MrCarterMaths

283. Splitting the steps – Rearranging Equations

Last year I put together some resources using the ‘Splitting the steps’ model which was introduced to me at a talk by Bruno Reddy (@mrreddymaths). I’ve realised I didn’t upload this one at the time!

This worksheet takes you through rearranging equations through two sets of questions, plus extension. The helpful hints and structure are gradually removed. You’ll notice that the + sign is left in, even when a – is required. This was specifically done to ensure my students focussed on opposite operations and writing in negative numbers. If you’d rather not have that, there is an editable version too.

Splitting the steps Rearranging equations (PDF)

Splitting the steps Rearranging equations (Word)

If you would like a starter activity relating to this, then go to this blog post on simple rearrangements: 224. No Nonsense Negatives

If you like this splitting the steps activity, try these out:

Splitting the Steps estimated mean

Splitting the steps Rationalising the denominator V2

274. Resource etiquette

There has been some discussion on social media recently regarding misuse of downloaded or copyright material. They broadly fall into three categories:

1. Unethical people are deliberately passing off resources as their own on both free and paid for resource sites.

2. Some people are sharing resources which were inspired by others.

3. Some people don’t know the origin of resources, but they think they are good and are sharing them via their own means (blog, social media, resource sites).

Those in category 1 are dishonest and making money/taking credit from the hard work of others. This must stop. Those who create resources and have blogs will often put a website address in the footer. It’s common sense really, but this isn’t possible for everyone and can still be removed by the most determined faker. Legal or moral copyright must be respected.

Category 2 people – why not put a credit in the footers? ‘Inspired by @Mr_Person’
You get the credit for your work and the inspiration gets the recognition for their creativity.

Category 3 people – well, a bit of housekeeping would avoid this situation. If I download and save a resource from a website I add the source to the file name.
For example:
Multiplication_puzzle_TES.doc
C1starter_resourceaholic.pdf

If you still feel you must share, be honest. I posted a resource on bright vs gifted children. It was an old worksheet I found with no source reference. In my description of the sheet I stated that this was a typed up version of an existing resource and I did not take credit for its creation. If the creator asked me to remove it, I would comply asap.

All this comes down to is good manners. If we treat the work of others with respect, we treat our colleagues with respect. There is enough negativity out there to sink the merriest teacher’s boat, so we should do our best to make the teaching careers of others a smooth voyage!