Motivating students at Key Stage 4
Over the last year students have had their maths learning disrupted due to the pandemic. The AMSP has put together a package of support for Key Stage 4 teachers to help with maintaining the interest of students in maths, motivate their learning and encourage them to consider studying maths post-16.
Key Stage 4 resources
The AMSP has a wealth of experience of providing enrichment and promoting the study of maths.
We have collated a selection of activities and resources for you to use with your classes to motivate and enrich their learning in mathematics. The resources vary in length and style, and can be used in different ways, such as class activities, individual/independent work, set for homework etc.
We will add a new set of three resources on a different topic every two weeks through the school year.
Resource focus: Probability
Where’s the maths in that?
15 mins
Description
There are many images to provoke discussion and slide 20 encourages students to discuss ways to combine many flavours. Students could also do surveys, display data, discuss probabilities arising. How would you decide how to run an ice cream shop? Probability in the real world.
Topic
Combinations, investigations
Ideal for:
Embedding skills
Possible uses:
- Starter
- In-lesson task
- Homework
- Project
- Group work
Tornado Alley
15 mins
Description
Students use their interpretation of probabilities to critique a news statement.
Topic
Interpreting probabilities
Ideal for:
Embedding skills
Possible uses:
- Starter
- In lesson task
- Plenary
Geometric Distribution
15 mins
Description
Students develop their knowledge of the geometric distribution by looking at real world situations that can be modelled in this way.
Topic
Interpreting probabilities
Ideal for:
Enriching knowledge
Possible uses:
- Starter
- In-lesson task
- Plenary
- Homework
- Independent work
- Project
Previous resources
Try being a Data Detective
60 mins
Topic
Version B - Scatter graphs (Foundation)
Version C - Box plots, measures of central tendency and spread and scatter graphs
Ideal for:
Enriching knowledge
Possible uses:
- Starter
- In In-lesson task
- Group work
- Project
- Homework
Try being a freelance filmmaker
60 mins
Topic
Version B - Percentages, ratio and proportion (Foundation)
Version C - Percentages, ratio and proportion, geometric sequences (Higher)
Ideal for:
Enriching knowledge
Possible uses:
- Starter (the initial part of the resource)
- In-lesson task
- Independent work
Working for a cause you are passionate about
60 min
Topic
Percentages and measures of central tendency and spread
Ideal for:
Enriching knowledge
Possible uses:
- Starter (the initial part of the resource)
- In-lesson-task
- Independent work
Not my cup of tea
15 min
Topic
Calculating independent and dependent combined events, systematic listing
Ideal for:
Enriching knowledge
Possible uses:
- Independent work
- Group work
- Plenary
What are the best sleeping arrangements?
15 min
Topic
Problem solving using a systematic probability scaffold
Ideal for:
Extending understanding
Possible uses:
- Starter
- Independent work
- Group work
- Homework
Fighting the Epidemic
60 min
Topic
Calculating the likelihood of expected outcomes
Ideal for:
Enriching knowledge
Possible uses:
- In-lesson task
- Group work
Equations Mystery
45 mins
Description
This activity develops problem solving skills as students use facts to decipher a message. Students could work on it individually but it is ideal for group work.
Topic
Solving equations and inequalities
Ideal for:
Embedding skills
Possible uses:
- Plenary
- In-lesson task
- Group work
Maths feast - Functions
30 min
Description
This Maths Feast practice round is ideal for encouraging students to develop independent knowledge around this topic.
Topic
Investigation of composite functions
Ideal for:
Extending understanding
Possible uses:
- In-lesson task
- Homework
- Group work
Artzee Maths
60 mins
Description
This graphing app (Desmos or GeoGebra) based activity engages students by using transformations of functions to create artistic designs – encourage your students to get creative!
Topic
Transformations of functions and graphs
Ideal for:
Enriching knowledge
Possible uses:
- In-lesson task
- Independent work
- Group work
- Project
5 & 7 difference
30 min
Topic
Forming and solving simultaneous equations
Ideal for:
Extending understanding
Possible uses:
- In-lesson task
- Plenary
- Group work
Solving equations maze
30 min
Topic
Solving linear and quadratic equations
Ideal for:
Embedding skills
Possible uses:
- In-lesson task
- Group work
- Homework
A formula for prime numbers
45 min
Topic
Algebraic proof and prime numbers
Ideal for:
Enriching knowledge
Possible uses:
- In-lesson task
- Independent work
- Group work
- Project
Pentagonal Desks
30 min
Topic
Angles
Ideal for:
Embedding skills
Possible uses:
- Starter
- Homework
Building Bridges
60 min
Topic
Similar triangles, angles and length
Ideal for:
Enriching knowledge
Possible uses:
- In-lesson task
- Group work
Zigzag Area 1
45 min
Topic
Area and perimeter
Ideal for:
Extending understanding
Possible uses:
- In-lesson task
- Independent work
- Homework
Is Greenland bigger than Africa 2
15 mins
Description
This activity encourages students to think about how 2D maps represent a 3D globe. It examines the differences between the Mercator and Peter’s projections which may generate socio-political and mathematical discussions.
Topic
Scale factors, maps
Ideal for:
Embedding skills
Possible uses:
- Starter
- In-lesson task
- Homework
Cable Car
15 mins
Description
This question is available as a poster for displays and is ideal as a starter, plenary or short homework task.
Topic
Ratio, fractions, proportion
Ideal for:
Enriching knowledge
Possible uses:
- Starter
- In lesson task
- Homework
- Independent work
- Plenary
Kinematic Extension
60 mins
Description
Examine real life situations using the suvat equations with a structured activity to support students.
Topic
Compound units, modelling
Ideal for:
Extending understanding
Possible uses:
- In-lesson task
- Independent work
- Project
Problem 12 - Dropped!
30 min
Topic
Repeated percentage change
Ideal for:
Embedding skills
Possible uses:
- In-lesson task
- Independent work
- Homework
- Plenary
Swimming
30 min
Topic
Ratio, fractions, proportion
Ideal for:
Extending understanding
Possible uses:
- In-lesson task
- Independent work
- Homework
What can you see?
60 min
Topic
Fractions, area, ratio, properties of shapes, angles, parallel lines
Ideal for:
Enriching knowledge
Possible uses:
- In-lesson task
- Group work
Shaded Squares 2
15 min
Topic
Fractions and percentages including converting between units of measure.
Ideal for:
Extending understanding
Possible uses:
- Starter
- In-lesson task
- Plenary
- Group work
Plan a festival
45 min
Topic
Percentages of amounts
Ideal for:
Embedding skills
Possible uses:
- Homework
- Independent work
- Project
- In-lesson task
- Group work
Where maths meets the world of work – urban regeneration
60 min
Topic
Version B and C (Foundation and Higher) - problem solving using number and measurement covering area, scale drawings, profit and percentages
Ideal for:
Enriching knowledge
Possible uses:
- Starter (the initial part of the resource)
- In-lesson-task
- Homework
- Group work
- Project
Modulo arithmetic
15 mins
Description
This short task is an interesting way of embedding knowledge of operations. It could be combined with the recording of ‘Race to the Target!’ which can be found here
Topic
Operations with modulus
Ideal for:
Embedding skills
Possible uses:
- Starter
- In-lesson task
- Plenary
- Homework
Squared Squares
60 min
Description
This activity combines basic operations with problem solving to discover how squares can be combined into squares. A link to a Numberphile video is included.
Topic
Arithmetic problem solving
Ideal for:
Enriching knowledge
Possible uses:
- In-lesson task
- Group work
- Project
Dastardly Digits
30-45 mins
Description
This Maths Club activity support students through the maths behind a ‘mind reading’ trick, providing an engaging and enriching lesson.
Topic
Addition of numbers extending to algebra
Ideal for:
Extending understanding
Possible uses:
- In-lesson task
Coming up
We'll add three new resources to this page every two weeks. Here's what we have planned:
| Curriculum area | Topics | Available from |
|---|---|---|
| Probability |
|
Wednesday 17th November 2021 |
| Statistics |
|
Wednesday 24th November 2021 |
Other resources
The AMSP has many additional resources that you might be interested in.
Online enrichment event recordings
The AMSP has been running interactive live online enrichment events for Year 10 students. We've recorded shows that we're no longer running and provided accompanying teacher notes.
Go to recordings Enrichment lessons
These activities work really well as enrichment lessons or as part of an ‘activity day’. They offer the opportunity for your students to step outside of the curriculum for a while and have fun doing mathematics and seeing where it can take them!
Go to resources Where's the maths in that?
These resources are designed to demonstrate to students that maths can be found all around them. They are very easy to use, simply display a photograph and ask “Where is the maths in that?”. It's perfect for starters, ends of lessons, assemblies or even homework!
Go to resources Taster lessons of maths beyond GCSE
This set of resources provide two taster sessions for each of Core Maths, A level Mathematics and A level Further Mathematics. They are designed either for use in the classroom or for students to work on independently.
Go to resources 
Upcoming enrichment events
The AMSP runs events designed to engage your 11-16 students with maths, and inspire them to want to continue to study it beyond GCSE. All of our events have been adapted for online participation.
Space!
45 mins
These enrichment events are designed to engage your Year 10 students while developing an area of GCSE mathematics beyond the curriculum. They will also inform students about their options for studying mathematics after GCSE. Any mathematics used in the session will be based on that expected at higher tier GCSE.
More information Maths is everywhere
45 mins
Maths is used in so many other subjects! Core Maths is a qualification which can sit alongside other A levels or BTECs - join us for an engaging session to find out how and why!
More information Which career? How maths is used in different roles
45 mins
This event will allow students to explore a career-related question, before working through possible solutions and explaining how this question arises within the career.
More information Which career? Meet people working in different roles
40 mins
This event will allow your students to question people from the world of work about how they use maths and different skills that are essential in their roles.
More information Upcoming professional development opportunities
All of our professional development opportunities have been adapted for online participation.
Higher GCSE topics through mathematical thinking
8 weeks
This course develops strategies and ideas for taking a higher tier topic and extending it, exploring the connections which deepen understanding and develop fluency, and which can be used immediately in the classroom.
More information