Breaking Up with Formulae: Ratio Tables are “The One”

A write up of my MathsConf38 session on the use of ratio tables to support the development the conceptual understanding of algebraic drect and inverse proportion relationships. A little late, after starting a new job the same week and a busy summer... but finally written!

Ratio Tables: Moving to Generalisation

I have been raving about the utility of ratio tables for a couple of years now, and in my last MathsConf session I showed the versatility of them for topics across the curriculum. I ended with a snapshot of how I use them for algebraic direct proportion questions. People went a bit mad for it, and since then the biggest questions I have had have been about how to extend this idea, so I decided it was high time to share the specifics some more.

Year 11 Exam Prep: The Staple Challenge

I've been tweeting about "The Staple Challenge" for a few months now, and the rationale behind it is really quite hard to fit into short tweets. So I thought a blog was in order!

Completion Tables (feat. Jonny Hall)

On Monday night, I crashed Jonny Hall's (@StudyMaths) session at MathsConfOnline where he talked about "How completion tables have changed [his] life". Though he admits it is a slight exaggeration, it really isn't an exaggeration to say that working with Jonny this past few months, particularly while he's been obsessed with these tables has revolutionised my task-making and task-using abilities.

Life as an NQT

Last week I was lucky enough to be asked to head back into University to deliver the 'Life as an NQT' lecture. When my old mentor got in touch to ask me to do it, I was really humbled - her thinking of me for something like that is a great compliment. Last year we … Continue reading Life as an NQT

A Year in Review

I haven't blogged in FOREVER. Rest assured that this is because I am insanely busy and then trying to spend time with my wonderful friends and family, rather than the fact I have fallen out of love with teaching. It is far, far from that. I actually think I am more in love with the job … Continue reading A Year in Review

NQT – Nonstop, Queasy & Tired

I did it! I made it through my first week as an NQT! It has been an insanely busy week, starting with an inset, through to a half day with my Vertical Mentoring Group (VMG) and 2 full days of lessons. I have been so tired I struggled to put one foot in front of … Continue reading NQT – Nonstop, Queasy & Tired

My Very Own Classroom

So I spent Thursday and Friday last week getting my classroom in order for September. The idea of having my own room, after a whole year of carting things about in folders from room to room, is very exciting. I'll have everything I need at my fingertips and where I want it to be! I've … Continue reading My Very Own Classroom

Week 5 – My First Starter (& Some Cake…)

This week has been the best so far on my PGCE. I'm really getting into the groove of being in school, getting to know the department and my classes. I'm absolutely loving it. OK, I have a never ending To Do list and by Thursday I am so tired I cry because I drop OXO … Continue reading Week 5 – My First Starter (& Some Cake…)

Week 2 – Primary Placement

So there's week 2 done and dusted too. Time flies when you are having fun! I was tempted to say that I was being sarcastic there, and I half was, but half wasn't. Last week was educational, inspiring and exciting. But it was also chaotic, noisy and tiring. I spent my Primary Placement week at … Continue reading Week 2 – Primary Placement