GCSE is a tricky juncture point for students here in the UK as they start specialising in a career they aspire for. For the pupils who want to be lawyers, sometimes there is confusion among them about which GCSEs to study if they want to pursue something high-paid and stable, such as law.

You will need about five GCSEs to study law. It is not that these subjects will directly contribute to your study of law but serve as a necessary part of the higher education qualification. You will need a minimum level four or grade C in maths, English, and science.

Studying these subjects will prepare a base for understanding law at a deeper level. The law requires a lot outside of subject expertise; humanitarian skills, analytics, logic and reasoning, factuality, reporting and presenting, and many more. Above all, they can help to make commoners understand the law better using common knowledge. Here is a list of the required GCSEs for higher studies in law:

• English
• Maths
• Science
• History
• Geography
• English literature
• A second language, typically a modern foreign language, such as Spanish, French, or German.

Do you need A-level GCSEs to study law at the university level?

As mentioned, you need to qualify in the subjects above with an A to be able to pursue a law degree at the university. However, different colleges demand different qualifications, and that also depends on the pedigree of the college itself. A regular county college may only need three As and three Bs, while state or national law institutions can ask for As in every subject. Students need to familiarise themselves with the law environment by also studying the law itself. If you want a degree from the top grade college, here is what you need to do – get As in all these subjects:

Law

If you want to get a degree in law, no wonder that you need to get an A in the subject itself. Studying the law requires quite an effort, as it will secure foundational knowledge on the subject for the student. With that, the student can also decide whether they want to pursue further or not, given the nature of pursuing a law degree can be difficult, especially getting an A.

English language

Earning a law degree requires excellent skills in reporting, essay writing, and describing. Hence, a good grasp of the English language and literature can aid the student in developing good language skills. Plus, being good in the language also helps improve communication, which can prove useful while attending to clients and arguing in court.

Mathematics

Maths is a subject that doesn’t contribute directly to the understanding of the law itself. However, universities favour maths as one of the fundamentals of getting a degree. Mathematical skills develop analytical skills and encourage logical thinking, which may aid while looking for solutions to a problem.

Science

Similar to maths, science will increase analytical and logical thinking skills, helping to understand the major subject better. Science is a respected field in academics. Hence universities favour students who have an A in science.

History and Geography

Apart from gathering knowledge about facts and important dates and incidents, both are respected subjects in the academic circle. They also improve thinking and essay-writing skills.

Modern foreign language

Modern foreign languages such as Spanish, French, and German can open new doors for any student’s career. They can either keep their option open to take on another subject while improving language skills can help address and communicate with people belonging to different nationalities. As that can help you address a larger client base, you can also use the experience to seek jobs in respective countries.

What do you need to study in law?

Apart from having required knowledge in GCSEs, the law itself is a vast subject that intersects with other fields and streams such as language, literature, science, maths, etc. there are some modules that the university will cover these are:

• Civil law
• Administrative law
• Criminal law
• Elder law
• Land law
• Public law
• Tort law

These modules often serve as specialisations for students going further in the subject. Moreover, they can also choose subsets of such modules and focus on them. For example, someone studying criminal law can further specialise in criminal justice or human rights. Corporate law is another example.

Is there a test for qualifying to study law?

Although most universities base their applicants on the grade they got in CGSEs such as science, language, and maths, many also require their students to qualify for the national Law Aptitude tests. The good thing about the law aptitude test is that they don’t indicate pass or fail. However, you will receive a score for completing the test. The test checks a student’s data interpretation skills, deductive and verbal reasoning, etc.

How do universities assess students for law degrees?

The students follow coursework for a few weeks. Then after finishing the coursework, they need to finish their essays on the subject. With that, they need to prepare and submit a dissertation on their specialisation and, finally, pass the examination to receive a law degree.

A career in law is surely a well-paid and stable one, but climbing the ladder and landing your dream job is typically not very easy. Choosing GCSEs can be difficult in matters of studying law; however, having an idea about the profession may give you an advantage. Planning your moves carefully and committing to your target will surely get you to the top of any law firm.

Are you preparing for the GCSE or General Certificate of Secondary Education exam? You revise your lessons for better performance at the end of your preparation. Some students feel that only 2 to 3 hours of daily revision will be enough for them. On the other hand, many others like to revise for extra hours. However, without proper revision, you may not be able to perform well. If you are struggling to revise your chapters, you can take advantage of GCSE apps. Let us make a list of the most popular GCSE websites and apps.

Adapt

Designed for both iOS and Android users, Adapt is an innovative app for GCSE candidates. The main purpose of the app is to help you create a perfect timetable for regular revision. You can easily decide on what you should review. It also enables you to understand whether you have progressed with your preparation. The app displays the topics that are yet to study. You may also reschedule your study if you have not read a particular chapter. What’s more, homework planning becomes easy with this app. The best fact is that it lets you interact with other candidates and participate in joint study sessions.

EdPlace

EdPlace is another reliable app for SAT and GCSE aspirants. You can revise the subjects like Science, Math, and English to secure a high grade.

The mobile app presents you with more than 1000 practice papers, worksheets, and other interactive tutorials. Although the app is free to install, you can buy a subscription to get access to more activities. Everything is based on National Curriculum so that you will be familiar with real exam-like question papers. Besides, the automatic assignment of topics will save you effort. Depending on your needs, you can also set your goals using the app.

BBC Bitesize

Are you already aware of the broadcasting channel BBC? But now you have to download the BBC Bitesize app for GCSE exam revision. This platform has a vast amount of resources, such as online lessons and guides. With the best use of these resources, you can secure higher marks.

Furthermore, quizzes, lessons, and videos will make complicated concepts easier. Especially students 14 to 16 years old use the app for various exams like TGAU, GCSE, and National 4 and 5.

The app is aptly named Bitesize because you can break the large lesson into bite-sized lessons. You can also use the web version of the platform.

Memrise

If you are looking for a language revision app for your GCSE exam, you can install Memrise. Learning a new language is stressful for a student. That is why language specialists have worked together to create this unique app. Your language learning sessions will give you fun. Languages covered by Memrise are Italian, English, Danish, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Norwegian, Mongolian, and many more.

Native speakers have created videos to help you learn everything about the language. This approach is better and faster than audio clips and normal books. You can watch the gestures and body language of the speaker. So, you will learn how to speak your chosen language to communicate with others.

The best fact is that you can boost your vocabulary with more practice.

Quizlet

Quizlet is an AI-driven website to simplify your GCSE revision process. AI has started dominating the digital world. So you can also find its presence in the educational app Quizlet. You can create flashcards for better revision. When you are dealing with complicated concepts, Quizlet is a perfect choice, with vast revision resources.

GCSEPod

The aim of creating this platform is to make you smarter in your GCSE preparation approach. GCSEPod creators have given you access to several audio-visual tutorials. If you prefer cognitive learning solutions, you can rely on GCSEPod. Creating custom playlists is another exciting feature of the app. Based on your needs, you can create revision sessions on your own.

Arc Maths

Even if you have a Math teacher for your GCSE exam, you should not avoid installing Arc Maths. Math revision becomes easy with this innovative and thoughtful app. You will also be able to learn about new topics related to Math. The app will assign everyday Math workouts. Whenever you start a Math session, you will need to attempt 12 questions. These questions may be from different topics. So, you can test yourself using the app.

After attempting the given questions, you can check the results. The app displays the right and wrong answers. You may also try out more questions to strengthen your Mathematical skills.

GoStudent

GoStudent is another reputable platform that has connected several learners and tutors. GoStudent tutors are ready to help you in preparing for the GCSE exam. You can create a customised learning plan. The tutors know the syllabus and encourage you to perform well. As a new user, you may choose a free trial of tutoring sessions.

Do you now like to revise your GCSE lessons using digital technologies? You can choose any of these apps to make your revision easier and better. Check the features of the apps and install the best ones.

Although these apps are helpful, you should take some other approaches for your revision. For instance, revision with friends is a good idea, as it saves time and effort. Besides, it is also essential to take a break while doing revisions for the GCSE exam.

Families that have worked with a private tutor and a teacher often find the two professions quite similar. In fact, if you ask most families, they would prefer a tutor over a teacher because of the results most tutors deliver. However, comparing tutors and teachers goes beyond the results you see. Although both professions are dedicated to helping students acquire knowledge and do well in school, they are vastly different, and each professional has a pivotal role in the student’s academic success.

What is a Private Tutor?

Private tutors teach students individually or in small groups. The tutor often specialises in tutoring one subject or age group. In some instances, the tutor might be a retired teacher or no longer actively teaching by profession. The tutors may travel to the client’s residential home for their tutoring sessions or work at a school or academic centre, depending on where their job opportunities take them. Tutors may be considered an addition or support system for slow students who need additional practice with what they get from the class.

What is a Teacher?

Teachers have a more formal setting. They educate students in a classroom setting. They also devise and implement learning plans and assignments that can work for various learning styles and abilities. Most teachers specialise in a grade level or a specific subject. Teachers are foundational in imparting students’ knowledge and helping them acquire writing and reading skills.

Differences Between a Private Tutor and a Teacher

Many families that have worked with a tutor have seen tremendous growth and improvement in the student and, in many cases, are left wondering whether it makes sense to continue having teachers. Although private tutors and teachers are education professionals, there are numerous distinctions between the two careers, making them both an essential part of the student’s academic success.

Job Duties

Teachers and tutors share some job responsibilities like creating lesson plans, evaluating students’ needs and abilities, setting learning goals and giving out assignments.

But, there are also differences in their job responsibilities. For instance, tutors work with students individually or in small groups, while teachers work with groups of students of about 20 to 30 students. This distinction leads to other differences as well. For example, because tutors have fewer students, they can customise their lesson plans to match each student’s needs. Also, the teacher has more classroom responsibilities, like setting behavioural rules and maintaining classroom etiquette.

Average Salary

On average, teachers earn more per year than private tutors. The payment terms for each profession are also different. The exact amount of salary a teacher receives depends on where they work, with high school teachers typically making more than primary school teachers. Teachers are paid per month, while tutors are paid by the hour. The income for both professions is also determined by other factors like geographic location and level of education, but for teachers, these factors make a more significant difference in their salaries.

Type of Lessons

Teachers provide students with more broad knowledge of a subject than a tutor. That’s because teachers usually have to work with many students with varying academic abilities and needs. Tutors have more flexibility to teach a topic with greater depth because they have fewer students and better understand the learning needs of each of those students. They also have the luxury of planning flexibility with their lessons.

Student feedback

Private tutors and teachers give students individualised feedback. However, a tutor is much better positioned to provide personalised feedback than a teacher because tutors typically work with fewer or individual students. Tutors have the time to give students personalised attention to help them achieve their academic goals.

Work environment

This is the greatest difference between being a teacher and a private tutor. Tutors do most of their work in a classroom in a school. The school may be privately or publicly run. Tutors, on the other hand, are self-employed and have more freedom in their work environment. Some tutors can go to the student’s house, meet at the local library, or even tutor from the comfort of their home if they are tutoring online.

Qualification

Teachers receive more qualifications than tutors before the beginning of their careers. As such, a teacher can easily become a tutor, but it’s not the case for tutors. They must acquire various certifications and qualifications, including completing education courses at a college or university.

Although some private tutors may have professional or educational credentials, they don’t generally need degrees or licences. Tutors usually show their competency in tutoring through content understanding, good grades and well-organised lesson plans.

Education standards

Tutors have to adhere to the educational curriculum standards and regulations. Teachers must ensure they complete the curriculum and incorporate the regulations required for each academic year. Private tutors aren’t professionally regulated or licensed by the government. They have more flexibility when creating their lesson plans.

How to Know When You Need a Tutor

A teacher is a basic need for the education of every student. However, there are scenarios that call for additional support for the students to help them measure up to the national standards and improve their grades. Some of the indicators that will inform you to get a tutor include the following;

Children with special education needs

Children with special needs will struggle to excel in class with the rest of their classmates. Some of the students require more time and patience to understand the concepts, and having a tutor that can give them that individualised attention will go a long way.

Gifted learners

It’s a common belief that you only hire tutors for students who are struggling in class. But tutors are also a vital resource for gifted students who want to expand their horizons and need guidance while they read ahead of the teacher.

Boosting confidence

Some children are amazing students but are held back by insecurities and uncertainties. They don’t believe in their abilities and second-guess themselves, which can impact their academic performance. Working in smaller one-on-one groups can help the students feel safer to stretch themselves, and the tutors have more room to practice positive reinforcement to help the student work on their confidence and realise their full potential.

Students need both teachers and tutors to do well in school. Although tutors usually come in to help students who are struggling. There is more they can do, even for gifted students. Parents should consider teachers and tutors as a tandem that works together for the greater good of the student.

Case studies are a common assignment in high school and college. You may also be asked to write a case study for some of your major exams. Like everything else in school, you won’t write the perfect case study on your first try, but having the right tools and guidelines will make the learning curve much faster and easier.

What is a Case Study?

Case studies involve in-depth subject research over a specified period, usually set by your teacher or professor. Case studies are similar to analytical essays. However, case studies look at a subject matter to validate the thesis.

A good example of a case study is when a business wants to show how its product can solve a problem for consumers. The business will simply tell the people how the product works. But if they want to be more convincing, they need evidence – that’s where a case study comes in.

Case studies are extremely useful. They provide research-backed solutions and assessments of various situations. The studies can be used as part of a solution or even to promote a product.

You can now see why proper case study writing skills are crucial. Not only for your grades but also the impact the study might have in the future.

How to Write a Case Study Guide

Every case study will have a unique subject matter set by the professor, teacher or examining body. It can cover various topics but requires the same clear, compelling writing for each of them.

Identify the problem and the solution

Most case studies are designed with the end goal of providing a solution to a certain problem. To write the case study, you must identify the problem and the solution.

This will form the basis of your entire case study. Once you identify the problem and solution, you can proceed to more in-depth questions that will make up the body of your writing. Other questions that can guide you in your writing include;

• How does the subject of the case study solve the problem?
• What are the key features of the subject in the case study?
• Does the subject differ from other alternatives already on the market?

Identify your audience

You’re writing the case study for people to read. You need to figure out who will read your paper and then identify what they might be interested in. This way, your writing is impactful and addresses the needs and interests of the reader. It also makes the case study interesting and appealing.

Research your subject

You’re now ready to dig into the research of the case study. You need ample time to make the research as in-depth as possible.

You may need to contact people, request testimonials, and get permission to publish the case study. The specific information and nature of the research will depend on the nature of the topic of your case study. But here are some general questions you can consider to help guide your case study research;

• What problem do you hope to solve?
• Have you tried other solutions to the problem, and what were the results?
• How did you hear about the subject?
• Did the subject or product have a positive impact on your business?
• How is this subject different from the others you’ve tried?

Besides talking to people, you will also want to research other facts, details and information that makes your case study topic stand out.

Make sure you dig for statistics you will include in your draft to give the readers a perspective of the subject and how it compares to competitors, its applications and any other details you can find. However, while digging for details, be cautious not to add figures or facts that would be in breach of people or organisational privacy.

Begin Writing the Case Study

So far, you’ve identified the goal, chosen your subject, identified your audience and conducted thorough research on the subject. It’s time to put it all together. Although writing takes a fraction of the time, it could make or break your case study. It has to have the right structure.

While you may have the freedom to choose how you tell your story, there are several factors you should consider;

• Tone – Most case studies are professional, and your tone must reflect that. Consider the nature of your audience when crafting the case to ensure you write a story that appeals to that demographic.
• Structure – Start with your cast study with an introduction. Talk about the subject and topic of the case study and its role in society and the target market. Show off the best aspects of the subject of the case study, then transition into the problems faced, how your subject fits in, and the solutions it provides. There’s also the body of the case study where you get to share more details about the topic, like its benefits, impact, and effectiveness. You should also highlight some of the statistics you collected to give readers a clear picture of the topic. In the conclusion, you provide a summary of the subject matter and make a compelling case for why your subject is better than anything else found on the market.
• Length – The length of case studies depends on a few factors, like the complexity of the topic and the details required to tell the story. A case study can be between 500 – 2000 words long.

Case studies require time and effort to be completed successfully. You should never wait until the last minute to scratch up a case study draft based on online findings. Most teachers and professors can easily tell the amount of effort put into the study by its presentation. Take your time to do proper research. With enough information, facts and figures, writing becomes much easier.

Every year, Year 6 students transition into Year 7, at which point they get their first taste of secondary school life. Although this is a regular occurrence, it never gets easier for the students. Every student will respond differently. Some might be charged about the new experience, while others might be more cautious and guarded.

Whether the student is days away from the transition or has a year, it’s always good to prepare them for this new experience. Here are a few ways to prepare them for the new secondary school life.

Have a heart to heart talk

The first step to getting ready for Year 7 is talking with the child about what to expect. Children can be anxious about the transition and often have various opinions about secondary school.

While they might have an idea of what this new experience is like, they don’t know what to believe in terms of teachers, lessons, school terms and other students. That makes talking to them about how different this new chapter of their life will be from their previous extremely important to make them feel comfortable with the transition.

Encourage them to attend Year 6 transition days

It’s not just parents concerned about the transition into Year 7. Schools are just as concerned. Some even offer transition days to Year 6 students. These days are spent at the secondary school they’ll be going to. They get to see the building, meet some students and teachers, and get first-hand secondary school experience.

The experience allows students to visualise the experience and transition and eases the tension and nervousness of joining secondary school. By the time they make the transition, they already have a clear picture of what to expect.

Start encouraging independent learning

Secondary school takes learning a notch higher. The experience includes more independent learning, and the students might get more freedom and independence in how they complete tasks. The students will also need to remember to hand in their homework and bring any items required for specific lessons or activities like cooking ingredients or PE kits.

In secondary school, the timetables mean the students will need to find their way to the next class on time.

It’s a big jump that comes almost suddenly. You can help your child prepare for it by encouraging them to take on more responsibilities and independence in the classroom and at home. The child also needs to learn that increased independence comes with a greater sense of responsibility.

Help the child work on their organisational skills

Students don’t have to worry about preparing for lessons or getting anything ready in primary school. Teachers take care of everything. But secondary school is different.

Unlike in primary school, students have to ensure they have a fully equipped pencil case and have the necessary books for different subjects. There’s also more homework to worry about and ensure they complete on time.

Organisational skills are crucial at this level. It’s vital to start developing these skills before Year 7 to make the child’s life more bearable when they get to secondary school.

Assigning simple tasks like setting up a study space where they can do their homework, preparing their own lunch, clothes and school bag for the next are also important ways of teaching them how to organise their time.

Instil confidence in them

Many of the things the student will experience and do in Year 7 are new to them. More often than not, the student is anxious and unsure of almost everything they’re doing. Not every student will be worry-free, so you should find time to talk things through and let them know that you have confidence in them.

Also, let the child know that you’re with them through every step, and they can reach out if they need support. This could help reduce anxiety in the child and give them confidence in making decisions and completing tasks independently.

Be patient

Like everything else with your child, this transition is not overnight. It’s lengthy and requires time and patience. At around the same time, your child is quickly approaching their teen years which is another tumultuous and emotional time. You need to be at your most understanding, unruffled and handling everything strategically.

Once you’ve done all you can for your child, you need some preparation to prepare for the transition. Be ready to take a deep breath and let go. Start building a new social network and building a bond with the new school and its personnel.

Maths apps are a great way to throw in a few extra fun and interactive practices. Maths apps are a great way to help students understand the concept and also help to introduce major topics in an easy-to-understand way.

The only challenge is that the broad access to maths apps makes it difficult to find the best ones for your child. Here’s a look at some fantastic maths apps worth considering for your child.

1. Komodo Math

Komodo Math is an app designed by teachers for families. It’s an excellent option for parents looking to build a strong maths foundation for children aged 5-11. What makes Komodo unique is that a teacher sets up the baseline for each user in the app and can personalise the learning plan for your child. The parent defines the reward. The child then engages in little, regular practices to raise their math knowledge and skill.

Komodo focuses on helping students master arithmetic and mental maths. It puts your child in the best position to succeed in maths now and in the future.

2. Rocket Math

Rocket Math is another learning-oriented math app that proves essential for kids. It takes a fun and easy approach to learning math facts. The app is scientifically engineered for success. It is an online game that offers a fun way to teach math facts to kids in a way they can enjoy, do it quickly and do it well. Because the app is online, children can log in and play on any device anywhere at any time of day.

With the app, students choose up to ten learning tracks ranging from the basic addition and subtractions to the more advanced fact families. The app also provides instant help and corrections. If the student can’t answer a fact in three seconds, the problem and answer are given by mission control.

The app is perfect for kids aged 6-14 years and works perfectly in helping students work on their speed and fluency in answering simple arithmetic.

3. DoodleMaths

DoodleMaths is an adaptable learning program designed and optimised for mobile and tablets. The app is perfect for kids looking to learn on the go or as support for homework. The app identifies the child’s weak areas in learning and adapts a learning program to the needs of that child.

The app caters to students with all learning needs, even those with special educational needs or language barriers. It has built-in intelligence that identifies the strengths and weaknesses of each child and then builds a work program specific to the child’s needs.

Like Komodo, DoodleMath is also designed by math teachers and helps meet the child’s current ability and knowledge the same way a teacher would. The app is ideal for ages 4-14 years.

4. Prodigy

Prodigy is considered one of the best free math apps for young students. The app is curriculum-aligned but fantasy-based, making practising essential maths skills fun for kids. The app is adaptive. It assigns activities based on the student’s strengths and weaknesses. Its fabulous reporting system makes it stand out, allowing parents and teachers to keep up with the student’s progress and stay aware of the troublesome skill areas. Prodigy is broad and can cater to students in KS1 and KS2, giving plenty of room for your child to grow.

5. Numerosity

Numerosity is a maths app designed for children aged 7 – 10 years. The app is specifically designed for iPads. It works by reviewing concepts and improving numeracy skills. It has more than 100 levels and over five chapters of content covering addition, multiplication, subtraction, division and order of operations.

It has an engaging character (Skruff the dog) that guides you throughout while dishing out certificates for each completed chapter.

6. Native Numbers

Native Numbers is best suited for younger learners in the 4 – 7 years bracket. It is a nice-looking app that can finally get young children to settle down and learn some maths. It plays a crucial role in helping lay down the proper foundation through its 25 engaging activities and an individualised and interactive learning experience with minimal distraction.

7. Cut the Knot

It can be challenging to find good maths apps for students in specific grades. Most available options tend to focus on young learners because that’s where most of the interest is. The simple maths also makes it easier to design the apps.

Cut the Knot is a maths app for all. It has a plethora of maths-based puzzles and games that cover various topics, including geometry, algebra, arithmetic, and even calculus. It’s the perfect place for students that want to drill down on their maths revision.

One of the reasons why many students struggle with maths is because of how theoretical it gets. By adding some fun outdoor maths activities, students can warm up to the subject, pay more attention and remain engaged longer.

If you’re thinking of switching things up to get your children to see maths differently and have some fun while at it, here are some great outdoor maths-related activities that you can try out.

1. Number bounce and shoot

This is an excellent activity to carry out if you’re looking for something you can do right outside your home without spending a penny. You will need a ball, chalk, concrete ground and a target.

You can write maths equations or numbers on the ground using chalk. You can ask the students to answer a maths question or identify a number you call out. The student runs to the number, bounces the ball the number of times represented by the number and then shoots the target. The target can be a big circle drawn on the wall.

2. The Sandpit

The sandpit at the park is another fun place to learn some math. You can hide fun objects for counter or answers to sums on a worksheet. The students have dig out the right numbers or answers to the equations. When taking to the sandpit, don’t be afraid of a little mess. It’s the perfect place for learning.

3. Count passing cars

Here’s something simple that kids will love. It’s great for learning and also makes an incredible pass time. Step out to the pavement on the side of a road near the school or your home. Make sure you observe all the safety regulations at all times.

The students can count the cars as they pass. You can make it even more challenging by having them note down the colour of the vehicles as they pass and categorising them. You can then create a maths quiz based on the data collected by the students. Some interesting questions include:

• What was the colour of the 11^th car that passed?
• If buses are worth two and cars are worth one, how many cars equal five buses?

4. Shape hunting

You can reinforce recognition of shapes by challenging the class to find items that replication common shapes outdoors.

You can give the student a list of shapes varying in the number of sides and ask them to tick them off as they find them. For advanced learners, you can incorporate 3D shapes and give them a more challenging list.

5. Giant number line

A giant number can teach a number sense, addition, subtraction, skip-counting, spatial relationship, multiplication and mental maths. Giant number lines are perfect for students in their early academic years.

Number lines are loads of fun and easy to set up. You just need a piece of chalk to create the number line beginning with zero then let them jump, play, explore and count.

6. Frisbee math

You don’t need to go to the park or have loads of space for this. Just an old frisbee and a permanent marker. Write numbers around the edge of the frisbee, then throw the frisbee to your partner. Encourage them to catch it with both hands. The catcher needs to find the sum, product, difference or quotient of the numbers each hand is touching. For younger kids, you can make the game simpler.

7. Number throw

Number throw is another fun game that only needs chalk and a ball. Write numbers on the ground that are answers to simple questions. Ask a math question for example 7 + 5 and have the students throw a ball at the right answer. You can also use a bean bag instead of a ball.

8. Angle hunt

If you’re introducing the student to angles, you can make a template of the hunt and then go out and about to see if the children can spot the correct angles. For more advanced classes, you can also try to have the students take accurate measurements of angles on the playground.

9. Playground problem questions

You can get students to see their playground in a different way using this activity. Write some word problems that require the student to explore the outdoors to find the answers to every question. These questions can include, how many legs does a picnic table have?

10. Use nature

There’s plenty that nature has to offer to help with learning maths. Grass, sticks, and flowers are great tools to practice measurement. The pupils can measure the height and length of different items and record them. You can also set out challenges like finding the longest stick.

Students don’t always have to be couped in a class when learning maths. You can break the monotony once in a while and let them explore maths in the great outdoors using these activities.

Most teachers will tell you that working with a child with autism is a handful, especially when you don’t have the experience and skills to handle and support the student. Children with autism can be disruptive in class. They are easily unravelled and require a lot of attention.

Although the challenges of accommodating children with autism in class are well highlighted, their potential and ability are often overlooked. Children with autism can learn to read at an early age, have exceptional visual thinking and learning and can memorise and grasp information quickly.

With the right environment and support in the classroom, it’s possible to nurture these talents and help children with autism become successful students.

1. Avoid Sensory Overload

Children with autism are easily distracted by fluorescent lights, smells, and noises, making it difficult for them to concentrate.

One of the ways you can support the child in the class is by using cool, calm colours in the class that help create a more relaxing atmosphere suitable for learning. You should also avoid covering the walls with too many posters or other visual aids. Although autistic children learn best visually, having too many items to look at can overwhelm them.

It might even help to have a centre for the student where they can spend time away from all the possible distractions. The less they have around them, the better their attention and chances of learning.

2. Use visual learning aids

Autistic children learn best through visual aids. Visuals serve as excellent reminders about classroom rules, and where certain things go. They also make excellent learning resources available to the students.

You can also incorporate modelling and pictures, making it easier for the child to understand a concept instead of a lengthy explanation.

3. Be predictable

Autistic children get easily unsettled. What might seem normal to other students, like having a substitute teacher, might cause autistic students to be anxious.

Being in a predictable environment where the student knows what to expect next is vital for them. The students are less worried or curious about what happens next and can focus better.

Ensure the students have a schedule they can follow. If there are any unpredictable changes, you can use that as a teaching moment to walk the students through how to handle change appropriately.

4. Treat the students as individuals

You might have several students with autism. Although their educational requirements are similar, each student is still unique, and it’s essential to treat them as such. Treating every student as an individual also models patience, understanding and respect within the classroom and among the exceptional learners.

Some of the accommodations and recommendations you make may be extremely helpful to some learners and not so much for others. You might need to constantly make adjustments to cater to all the students. Also, take time to celebrate their success and always remember that autism can affect individuals differently, which requires learning and adjusting to the needs of the different children.

5. Manage changes and transitions

Routines are crucial to the comfort of children with autism. No matter how minor, changes and transitions can be overwhelming for them. Unfortunately, changes are often unavoidable and sometimes necessary, especially in school.

You can alleviate the anxiety of change by preparing the students beforehand. If you’re planning to change classrooms in a week, take the child to view the new class a few days in advance. You can also provide the child with pictures of the class for them to look at until the day of the change. Making the process more predictable makes it less daunting for the child and gives them enough time to adjust.

6. Communicate clearly

Autism can impact the child’s ability to communicate and interpret meaning. Because of this, you need to carefully consider the words you use and how you structure your sentences. Avoid complicated words and long, winding sentences or rhetorical questions. Keep the communication direct and straightforward.

If you need to ask an autistic child to tidy up or pick up something, avoid lengthy sentences like “can you start packing up your pencils and tidy them away into drawers please.” Instead, go for a simpler statement like “Put pencils away.” Pointing to where they need to put the pencils can also help in passing the message.

Final Thoughts

Autistic children can make great students. It takes longer and requires more work, but the process can be rewarding once the student starts responding to your efforts. Although the tips on supporting children with autism in class are simple, it takes patience, resilience, and consistency to implement them.

Key Stage 2 isn’t very different from Key Stage one. It’s still a formative stage, and the student will continue with the 11 core subjects they started in Key Stage 1: maths, science, English, ICT history, geography, design and technology, art and design, PE, music and RE. IN KS2, the student will also get a chance to learn a foreign language and develop personal and social skills like nutrition and cooking.

Maths will still receive a lot of attention at this level, and your child’s mathematical skills will improve. The stage focuses on improving confidence and accuracy while using the number systems, among other mathematical skills they have learned up to this point. Some of the areas that teachers will focus on during this stage include;

• Number – Number and place value
• Number – addition and subtraction
• Number – multiplication, and division
• Number – fractions
• Measurements
• Geometry – Properties of shapes
• Geometry – position and direction (from Year 4)
• Statistics

As pupils get to Year 6, their maths skills have improved dramatically. They have a better understanding of the maths concepts and are more confident working on various problems. That is why the curriculum adds two topics in Year 6, which are;

• Ratio and proportion
• Year 6 Algebra

LKS2 Year 3 Maths Curriculum

The first year of Lower Key Stage 2 in Year 3. Pupils will continue to build on their acquired knowledge from KS2. Some of the topics children will learn about in Year 3 include number and place value.

Students will build on their number sense and learn to recognise the place value of each digit in a three-digit number.

By the end of Year 3, students should know how to count from 0 in multiples of 4, 8, 50 and 100. Students can also compare and order numbers up to 1000. It’s a step-up from KS1, where they could only work with numbers up to 100.

Pupils will also learn to find and write fractions, know unit and non-unit fractions, and add and subtract fractions with the same denominator.

Other topics students will learn in KS2 maths include;

• Measurement (comparing, adding and subtracting different lengths, mass, volume, or capacity)
• Geometry (drawing 2D shapes, recognising and describing 3D shapes, identifying right angles, horizontal and vertical lines.
• Statistics

LKS2 Year 4 Maths Curriculum

After Year 3, students will meet even higher standards in Year 4. Most of the topics are the same, but the concepts are more complex.

Number – number and place value

Students in Year 4 will learn to count in multiples of 6, 7, 9, 25 and 1000. They can also order and compare numbers beyond 1000 and round numbers to the nearest 10, 100, or 1000.

Number – Addition and subtraction

Using the columnar addition and subtraction methods, students can add up to 4 digits. In Year 4, the students should also be able to check answers to different calculations by estimating and using inverse operations.

Number – multiplication, and division

Pupils master times tables up to 12×12, and can multiply and divide numbers using place value facts, including dividing numbers by 1, multiplying by 0 and 1, and multiplying t3 numbers.

Students also learn how to use written layout to multiply two-digit and three-digit numbers by one-digit numbers

Other maths topics covered in Year 4 include;

• Measurement
• Geometry – properties of shape
• Geometry – position and direction
• Statistics

UKS2 Year 5 Maths Curriculum

In the Upper Key Stage, students will notice more challenges as they learn new written methods for completing operations and new maths concepts. Some of the topics students will cover in Year 5 include;

• Number – number and place value
• Number – addition and subtraction
• Number – multiplication, and division
• Number – fractions
• Measurement
• Geometry – properties of shape
• Geometry – position and direction

In each topic, teachers will incorporate something new. The problems will be harder to solve in most cases, and there will be new concepts.

UKS2 Year 6 Maths Curriculum

Year 5 is the final year of KS2. It’s slightly different and includes two new areas of study. These areas include;

Ratio and proportion

This is a new topic, but I will mainly use the knowledge of fractions and multiples to solve problems that include unequal sharing and grouping.

Students will also solve calculations and percentage problems on this topic. Students will also learn how to come up with a solution to problems that have relative sizes of two quantities and if the missing value can be found using integer multiplication and division facts.

Algebra

Students also get to learn about algebra for the first time. They will learn to express the missing number problems algebraically and describe linear number sequences and how to generate them along with some simple formulae.

Besides these two topics, students will also extend their knowledge in the other maths topics that they have been covering from Year 4.