MATHS TUITION
The Importance of Maths
Maths provides an effective way of building mental discipline and encourages logical reasoning and mental rigour – we need mathematical skills and understanding to function throughout life. In addition, mathematical knowledge plays a crucial role in accessing the contents of other school subjects such as science, social studies, and even music and art. Ideally, your child will make progress in Maths throughout their school life so that they can attain a good level at the end of year 11.
Like English, maths is a desirable subject to be secure in - it equips young people to pursue future studies and is considered an asset in the eyes of employers. Sometimes, the expected progression is not easy for a student and Maths becomes a mental block. Maths should not feel like an insurmountable barrier for your child. With easy to follow instruction and guidance, maths can, believe it or not, be both fun and rewarding.
During my career as a classroom teacher I have come across children who have built up a ‘mental wall’ to maths and this wall has simply got bigger in their perception of the subject. Added to this, are the numerous changes to the maths curriculum (especially in primary school) which often makes parents feel that they have also reached their own ‘mental wall’. I have been involved with maths workshops for parents, SATs help and even assisting parents over the phone during the lock-down! It needn’t be a wall.
I am available to tutor one-to-one, online, with the following age groups:
KS2 (children aged 7-11)
KS3 (students aged 11-13)
My approach to maths has always been to face ‘wall’ with the student (and parents) to gently help them to dismantle it with logic and humour.
Maths Tutoring for the KS2 Child (Ages 7-11)
The principal focus of mathematics teaching in lower key stage 2 (ages 7-9) is to ensure that pupils become increasingly fluent with whole numbers and the four operations, including number facts and the concept of place value. This should ensure that pupils develop efficient written and mental methods and perform calculations accurately with increasingly large whole numbers:
- Number – number and place value Number – addition and subtraction
- Number – multiplication and division
- Number – fractions (by year 4 including decimals. By year 6 percentages)
- Number-Measurement
- Geometry – properties of shapes (position and direction by year 6)
- Statistics- (graphs and data)
By year 6, things change dramatically (Look away if you’re a little scared)....
Children are expected to:
- Recognise and use square numbers and cube numbers, and the notation for squared (2) and cubed (3)
- Solve problems involving multiplication and division including using their knowledge of factors and multiples, squares and cubes
- Solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and a combination of these, including understanding the meaning of the equals sign
- Solve problems involving multiplication and division, including scaling by simple fractions and problems involving simple rates
- Understand ratio and proportion
- Algebra
Stand by for a typical equation (posh for sum or problem) !
98 ÷ 4 = 4 98 = 24 r 2 = 24 2 1 = 24.5 ≈ 25
I can see why both children and parents struggle with this; it’s a lot of maths. However there are many ways to get over this maths wall, trust me, I know! When it comes to facing the year 6 SATS paper, I can help your child with all the necessary exam techniques.
Don’t panic, I cover it all !
Maths Tutoring for the Secondary Aged Student
As with English, the KS3 maths curriculum can be challenging and the whole class environment just doesn't meet the needs of some learners. My experience in both the secondary and primary setting means that I understand the issues affecting your child. I can assist by offering personalised support with their Maths studies. Sometimes, this may mean boosting the student by helping them to embed and secure some of the core number skills that might be holding them back. Other students appreciate the weekly support with the tasks set in the school classroom; I can help explain concepts in further depth to ensure they become more confident and accomplished mathematicians.
I enjoy working with students in years 7,8,9 and can help prepare them for GCSE learning.
