even numerate students experience a sharp decline in numerical fluency from y7 to y11. although many students enter secondary school at or nearly at age-related expectations, there is little ongoing opportunity in key stage 3 to revise or even use numerical skills. calculators are the norm, even in ks3 maths lessons. this demise of numerical fluency inevitably affects students' life skills and test results, before and at gcse.
it does not have to be this way!
have a look at a 'starter for ten', which covers a range of numeracy skills with quick questions to practice and maintain numerical fluency in key stage 3. 'four of the best', a sample algebra through numeracy problem solving unit presents a number investigation structured to teach ks3 algebra skills as well as problem-solving resilience and tactics.
use these short starter activities once a week to keep your y7 students numerically fluent through key stage 3. this unit of three sets of starters will keep you going throughout the whole year.
teach all of the algebra content for key stage 3 with these problem-solving numeracy investigations. they will give students a numerical grounding for understanding ks3 algebra while helping them develop numeracy confidence and meta skills. students will also learn resilience and tactics for approaching mathematical problem solving.
this 4-lesson revision unit reviews key areas of numeracy to ensure understanding and fluency. the lessons can be taught before sitting ks3 tests and exams from year 7 right up through gcses to ensure that students' numeracy facilitates their best possible mathematical work.
access to this resource requires a uks2 licence. donate £29 to get individual access to your key stage.
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