Mathematical Mastery

Jack Collins

Head of learning - Mathematics

This term in Mathematics our Year 7 students are learning how to solve equations algebraically. This requires a conceptual understanding of how to solve complicated equations using skills of ‘backtracking’ and ‘balancing’. To build this understanding, students having been working with physical algebra tiles to visualise how to solve equations by getting ‘x’ alone on one side of the equation.

Students have demonstrated a growth mindset in engaging with this approach to solving equations. This has resulted in high levels of engagement and many students extending themselves to solve challenging equations beyond a year 7 level. Some feedback from students include:

Louis Stapleton

Year 7

 [Using Algebra Tiles] helped me visualise the equation, understand the process and solve the equations with ease.

Ariana Norman

Year 7  The Algebra Tiles helped me get a better understanding of the layout of an equation. It made solving equations fun to learn because it was interactive.

-on learning can have in helping students build confidence in solving Mathematics problems . 

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Resources such as these are purchased using  Voluntary Contributions collected from our family community. These types of resources enhance and deepen learning, making the student experience more enjoyable. In turn, this leads to stronger educational outcomes.