Category: non-calculator
Methods to use when a calculator is not available
Recommending mathsbot.com
I am grateful to Mr. Holding who teaches locally for this link. So simple! Lots of GCSE questions presented one at a time. A couple of examples are reproduced below.
http://mathsbot.com/gcseQuestionshttp://mathsbot.com/gcseQuestions
The Proof Questions on this site are invaluable – the best collection I have seen.
Prime Numbers Under 20
- There are eight Prime Numbers Under 20
- Many people are unsure whether they have listed them all so it can help to draw the grid out and put them all into it – 4 under 10 then 4 more between 10 and 20
- One is not a prime
- Two IS a prime

Review – Maths Genie Website
This website has lots of useful resources laid out in a simple manner – very useful if you have run out of past papers for EDEXCEL Maths GCSE!
Past Papers for EDEXCEL Higher GCSE
Past and present predicted papers plus “target tests”
Recommended Resources from JustMaths
For Pupils in Years 7 to 11, I find the “bread and butter” cards on JustMaths really useful – entertaining, and a broad range of revision topics.
Easier (basic skills) stuff is on this page:
and harder stuff (Grade C+, I use these in Years 10 and 11) is:
justmaths.co.uk/bread-and-butter-grade-c-and-beyond/
Thanks Mel!
Proof that Year 4 students LOVE large numbers!
How many rectangles can you see?
This excellent puzzle is based on “Rectangles within Rectangles” from the book “Mathematical Snacks” by Jon Millington. Highly recommended as a source of enriching mathematical thinking!
Problem solving is a key part of 1-1 tuition – because the student is not in competition with others, the tutor can provide as much or as little help as is needed and the rewards are potentially very great, in terms of enjoyment, confidence, and increased skill in mathematical approaches.
Getting to grips with the new GCSE
Just a note here so I don’t lose it – the JustMaths team has posted a very useful set of specimen papers with worked solutions, for the new GCSE specification.
Adding Fractions by Drawing Pictures
What would you draw for two thirds plus one quarter?