Mastering Maths

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02p87xj

Here's another one. Let me know if you solve it.☺

Can you solve this puzzle?, 16/04/2015, Today - BBC Radio 4 Can you solve the hat problem?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02p8m5h

I heard this on the news this morning. Can you solve it?

Why did 'Cheryl's birthday' puzzle go viral?, 16/04/2015, Today - BBC Radio 4 Experts ask why 'Cheryl's birthday' went viral and should we all be taught this way?

What is the point of maths if it isn't relevant to everyday life?

Keeping maths ‘real’ 31/10/12 I have always believed that maths needs to be relevant to our everyday lives, otherwise……what’s the point? Presumably in an attempt to raise standards, the government now...

Fantastic, someone with influence saying that maths is important for everyday life.
'Maths is, I believe, an absolutely vital life skill, because being confident with numbers affects everything that comes afterwards.' says Sir Terry Leahy, former CEO of Tesco.

Sir Terry Leahy: 'I was no great maths genius' - Telegraph Sir Terry Leahy, the former CEO of Tesco, lends his support to our numeracy campaign and explains why he is investing in an online business that will help children with mathematics – at their own pace.

Here is a little tip I teach children - I know many adults who would also find it useful!
To find 4 lots of any number, first double the number, then double it again.
Eg. Four times 8: double 8 = 16, double 16=32
Simple!

I have just heard a report on the news saying that our university students (especially science and engineering) do not have a good enough knowledge of maths to cope. They are having to have remedial maths lessons. Perhaps if maths was more fun in the primary years, more students would want to continue their studies in this area.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-18957712

UK 'faces science skill shortage' Universities are failing to produce enough science graduates with the skills needed for economic growth, a House of Lords committee report finds.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-17356465

The best way to learn maths is to DO it rather than just do exercises in a book.

'Using maths is key to learning' Children struggle with school maths as teaching methods don't focus enough on allowing children to use it, argues an expert.

It's just a matter of confidence... something I can help with.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-17258668

Pupils 'won't ask for maths help' Secondary school pupils are so scared of looking stupid in maths lessons they will not tell their teachers if they do not understand, suggests research.

Some problems for you...

BBC News - Today - Test your maths skills Just how good is your arithmetic? Try a selection of questions from the Skills for Life survey.

For all of those of you taking the second part of your maths GCSE this afternoon - believe in yourself, you CAN do it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17236806

Could you do this calculation? The BBC's Chris Buckler takes to the streets armed with a "simple" maths calculation to test the general public.

Today many students take the first part of their maths GCSE. Although a compulsory subject at school, Government figures show that almost half the working population of England have only primary school maths skills.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-17224600

Poor numeracy 'blighting economy' Poor numeracy is hitting Britain's economic performance and ruining lives, according to a new charity launched to champion better maths skills.