Where on earth did those 6 weeks go? Yes, summer may be over, and whilst that means the return of students, marking and planning, it also means the return of the Maths Resource of the Week! (it doesn’t quite make up for it, I know)

I wanted to start this new academic year off by looking at a resource that I am planning to use with my Year 11s this first week back. They are a delightful group, but I doubt they have spent the last six weeks factorising quadratic equations, and so I need a way of dusting off the summer cobwebs. This set of Group Maths Challenges from Chris Smith is perfect for the job!

There are 5 of these, each ram-packed full of interesting and challenging puzzles. I am going to get my students into groups and get them interpreting the questions and discussing very strategies. Before they know it, the summer will be a distant memory and their focus will have returned (I hope!). And thankfully for me, the answers are also included, just in case it takes me a while to get back up to speed as well.

I was reminded of this wonderful resource by TES Maths Panel member, Jessica Ballard, who has put together lovely collection of 10 Back to School resources. Check it out by clicking the link below.

Download Maths Group Challenges

Check out Chris Smith’s other resources

See Jess’ Back to School Maths Collection