Try this Level 2 test from OCR
http://www.functionalskills.ocr.org.uk/l2-mathematics/index.html
Make sure you know which exam board your college uses as the tests vary considerably between different boards.
Oct 272012
Oct 272012
Try this on-line test
http://www.functionalskills.ocr.org.uk/l1-mathematics/index.html
Make sure you know which exam board your college is using, as the papers very considerably between the different boards.
Oct 262012
There is lots of controversy today about the Governments latest plans to ensure teachers are literate and numerate before they start teacher training. Maths with Graham thinks it is vital that all teachers are literate and numerate, so is much more concerned that an Academy school can appoint people without any teaching qualifications at all. It’s quite ironic that calculators will not be allowed in the new tests when the Government have just replaced the Adult Numeracy test (where calculators were not allowed) with Functional Skills (where calculators are allowed!) Teachers need to be both proficient at mental arithmetic and able to use a calculator, so really both should be tested.
You can see examples of current and future test questions here .
Here’s what the press are saying.
There are examples of test papers are on the TDA website.
Maths with Graham will of course be pleased to help prospective teachers with the tests, however difficult the Government decides to make them!
Oct 192012
Here are my hands. Calculate the ratio of the length of the rectangle to the height by dividing 12 by 7.5.
Now work with a friend. One of you make the same shape with your hands, the other measures the length and width. Again calculate the ratio. Swop roles and do this again. You now have three ratios. What do you notice?
Here is the beginning of the Fibonacci Sequence. It is made by adding the two previous numbers together.
1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21.
Work out the next 10 terms of the sequence and write them down.
Now calculate the ratio of each number compared to the number before it, like this. Round your answers to 4 decimal places.
1÷ 1 = 1
2÷ 1= 2
3÷ 2= 1.5
5÷ 3 = 1.6
8÷ 5 =1.6
13÷ 8 = 1.625
You continue for the next 10 terms. (Use a calculator!)
What do you notice?
You have discovered a very special number, called phi. Find out more about phi and the Golden Ratio here.
Oct 172012
Here is a fascinating site to find out about the Golden Ratio and the human face.
http://www.intmath.com/numbers/math-of-beauty.php
Don’t miss the flash application where you can fit a mask to some famous faces to see if their facial proportions match the golden ratio.
You will find the Golden Ratio appears not just in the human body, but in architechture, design nature, cosmology, photo composition, art and much more.
Oct 172012
Oct 152012
Here is an interesting info-graphic that shows which languages are spoken most throughout the world.
Can you design a bar chart or a pie chart to show this information?
How about carrying out a survey to find out which languages are spoken in your class/course or college? You will need to plan it carefully first, working out how to collect the data. Then analyse your data, putting it into tables. Finally present your data using graphs and charts in a format that will make people want to read it.
Oct 152012
This video shows how to divide by a decimal.
When you’ve watched the video try this quiz to see if you’ve got it.
Oct 122012
Download, print and cut out the triangles. Work with a friend to try and match all the questions with the correct answers and make a shape
If you are stuck you can download the solution here
Oct 122012
Download, print and cut out the triangles. Work with a friend to try and match all the questions with the correct answers and make a shape
Area and Perimeter Level 2 Jigsaw
Oct 122012
Download, print and cut out the triangles. Work with a friend to try and match all the questions with the correct answers and make a shape
Subtraction Entry Level 2 Jigsaw
Oct 122012
Download the pdf, print it and cut out the dominoes. Work with a friend to put them together correctly or play dominoes by sharing the dominoes and taking it in turns to place the next domino. If you can’t go the other player has another turn. The winner is the first to place all their dominoes correctly.
Oct 112012
Download, print and cut out the triangles. Work with a friend to try and match all the questions with the correct answers and make a shape
Oct 112012
This was published in the Sheffield Star on 10th October
Dear Editor
Hats off to Bea Marshall who is educating her children at home. (Education on the Home Front 8.10.12). People of all ages learn best when they are enjoying themselves and unfortunately school is sometimes not a happy place for some children.
Home educators need to help their children experience and investigate subjects they may not be very confident with themselves.It is certainly true that lots of maths can be taught by using practical activities like baking, playing with lego, going on a trip (planning the journey etc.) . Bea and other Home Educators will find lots of helpful resources on my website, www.mathswithgraham.org.uk. There are jigsaws, interactive puzzles and quizzes, videos and games that make maths fun and show where it is applied in every day life.
One thing many children learn at school is that they can’t do maths! This is usually far more to do with the large number of children in the class and the differing speeds of development of the children than a persons ability at maths. But once they have been put off it is incredibly difficult for them to regain confidence and be successful. Schools should be moving towards much smaller class sizes to ensure all our children reach their full potential and do not lose their natural instinct to find out about the world.
Graham Wroe
Original article
http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/sheffield-mum-home-educates-her-children-with-life-lessons-not-books-1-5002961
Education Otherwise provide information and support for Home Educators
Oct 052012
Download, print and cut out the triangles. Work with a friend to try and match all the questions with the correct answers and make a shape
Oct 052012
Download, print and cut out the triangles. Work with a friend to try and match all the questions with the correct answers and make a shape
Multiply and Divide by 10, 100 and 1000 Jigsaw
Oct 052012
How many nurses could be employed with the money given in bonuses to RBS bankers? You can work it out here!
Oct 052012
Download, print and cut out the triangles. Work with a friend to try and match all the questions with the correct answers and make a shape.
Oct 052012
Download, print and cut out the triangles. Work with a friend to try and match all the questions with the correct answers and make a shape.
Square and Cube Numbers Jigsaw
Oct 052012
Download, print and cut out the triangles. Work with a friend to try and match all the questions with the correct answers and make a shape.
