Best of 2016: TES Maths Resource of the Week

Hello everyone and Happy New Year!,

This time each year I complete my countdown of my top 10 favourite Resources of the Year. And this year, it has been more difficult than ever to choose, due to the amazing quality of some of the resources written and shared by the incredibly talented and generous members of the TES Maths community. In fact, it was proving so difficult that I have had to go for a top 12!

Thanks so much to everyone who shares resources on TES. You are making a huge and positive difference to the teaching and learning of mathematics all over the world. Here’s to another year of wonderful resources on TES Maths!

Craig Barton, TES Maths Adviser, @mrbartonmaths

12. Cubic graph match-up
In this tricky task, students match 21 cubic equations to 21 sketches of cubic graphs. By the time they’re done, the GCSE exam will seem like a breeze and they will be far better prepared for the demands of co-ordinate geometry at A-level.

11. GCSE problem-solving activity
Unstructured problems are likely to feature in the new exams, so it’s important to get pupils practising as early as possible. In this example, learners must call upon their knowledge of basic trigonometry, surface area, circumference, ratio and Pythagoras to find the solution.

10. Proportion and golden ratio
Complete with an engaging starter, accompanying notes and a clear worksheet, this lesson offers a unique take on an old concept. Pupils use the golden ratio to judge the “beauty” of some well-known faces.

9. Quadratic equations practice
Within the 73 slides of this well-structured, challenging presentation, you’ll find both instruction and rich questions (including answers) on all aspects of solving quadratic equations, from factorising and using graphs to completing the square and calculating with formulae.

8. Four quick questions
Containing over 200 sets of four questions on number, algebra, geometry and data, this extensive revision resource is ideal for encouraging a focused, efficient start to KS3 and KS4 lessons.

7. Multistage problem solving
Although this comprehensive resource was designed for the legacy GCSE specification, it is actually more relevant to the new one. There are a host of multi-mark questions on a variety of topics, including angles, currency conversions and even one about paving over an awkward-shaped garden.

6. Algebraic graphs
Covering everything from straight line graphs to quadratic and cubic graphs, this detailed unit of work offers a complete set of high-quality presentations, worksheets and homework activities.

5. Grid sums puzzle
Encourage creativity and perseverance while developing arithmetic skills with these simple and adaptable puzzles, suitable for classes of any age and ability.

4. Pythagoras and trigonometry questions
Quickly generate a wide range of questions on 2D Pythagoras and trigonometry with this clever spreadsheet. Mix it up by using a random selection to get students choosing the appropriate method first.

3. Going for gold problem solving
Perfect for revision, this series of ten lessons helps learners to ascertain how ready they are for their exams. For each topic, learners attempt consolidation questions before moving onto more challenging ones, which come with different levels of support and corresponding “exam-readiness” percentages.

2. Handy homework booklets
These comprehensive workbooks enable you to set an entire year’s worth of homework for your KS3 and GCSE classes. Each task consists of 20 questions covering essential skills such as adding fractions, rearranging equations and naming parts of a circle, as well as a tracking grid.

1. New GCSE revision workbooks
Useful for both teachers and pupils during revision sessions, these targeted booklets take a clear, systematic approach to each topic within the new GCSE specification.

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