Non-calculator sums with standard form is a boring topic, so what better than a rubbish joke to go with it? Pupils answer questions and use the code to reveal a feeble gag.

Starts with the basic tests for numbers up to 10, then looks at tests for higher numbers and finally problem solving using divisibility tests. Also looks at proofs of some of the tests using algebra. Worksheets at end for printing.

Pupils eliminate suspects/weapons/rooms by completing worksheets on a range of algebra topics including substitution, expanding, factorising, linear & quadratic equations, algebraic fractions and simultaneous linear equations. Works well as revision or as a competition. Also includes answers and a worksheet to remind pupils of techniques required.

Worksheet where answers to questions are used to obtain a 3-digit code (which I set as the combination to a lockable money box containing a prize). Questions on a mixture of all the GCSE-standard percentage skills.

A set of powerpoints covering all topics in FP1. Examples labelled WB correspond to the separately attached 'Workbook&' (I give this as a single booklet so pupils have a clear model answer to each topic). References to Exercises are from the Pearson Edexcel FP1 textbook.

Maze consists of squares containing identities, some of which are false. Pupils can only pass through squares containing true identities. Identities require ability to expand & factorise quadratic expressions and simplify algebraic fractions, so really only good for a GCSE top set. Extension - pupils find identities of incorrect squares and then design their own maze (there's a good discussion to be had about how to make a good maze - including common misconceptions to fool people).

San Gaku, also known as Japanese Temple Problems, are challenging geometric puzzles requiring anything from Pythagoras' theorem (as in the questions chosen here) to much more complex maths to solve. The activity aims to introduce the style of problem through a few select questions, each with a numerical as well as an algebraic part. Answers, printable worksheets and interactive GSP also included.

Pupils eliminate suspects/weapons/rooms by completing worksheets on a range of fraction, percentage and decimal skills (see separate instructions). Works well as revision or as a competition. Also includes answers and a worksheet to remind pupils of techniques required.

The first of two complete lessons on distance-time graphs that assumes pupils have done speed calculations before. Examples and activities on calculating speed from a distance-graph and a matching activity adapted from the Mathematics Assessment Project. Printable worksheets and answers included. Please review it if you download as any feedback is appreciated!

Maze consists of squares containing questions with answers, some of which are wrong. Pupils are only allowed to pass through squares containing correct answers. Extension - pupils design their own maze. I like to discuss how to make the maze harder by including classic misconceptions like divide by 5 to get 5%

Worksheet where answers to questions are used to obtain a 3-digit code (which I set as the combination to a lockable money box containing a prize).

Classic quiz with question on angle rules, including simple parallel lines and knowledge of shape properties. Answers on last slide. Hope no-one minds my use of an image of Bob Holness - he will always be the face of Blockbusters to me!

Fun quiz where pupils get to run around while still doing maths. Goes down an absolute storm! Can be easily adapted to other topics. See separate instructions.

A set of powerpoints covering all topics in M2. Examples labelled WB correspond to the separately attached 'Workbook&' (I give this as a single booklet so pupils have a clear model answer to each topic). References to Exercises are from the Pearson Edexcel M2 textbook.

One significant figure estimation is a boring topic, so what better than a rubbish joke to go with it? Pupils answer questions and use the code to reveal a feeble gag. Mistakes on first version now corrected.

Maze consists of squares containing questions (on addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of fractions) with answers, some of which are wrong. Pupils are only allowed to pass through squares containing correct answers. Extension - pupils design their own maze (I like to discuss how they can make their maze harder by including classic misconceptions). Extra worksheet included to help pupils think about misconceptions (warning - this may well confuse weaker pupils!)

Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions is a good topic, so what better than a joke to reward pupils' efforts? Pupils answer questions and use the code to reveal a funny gag.

A lesson or two of functional maths activities exploring a visual breakdown of the Budget that I found on the Guardian website recently. Requires knowledge of percentage change and reverse percentage problems. Starts with relatively straight forward calculations but gets a bit more political towards the end!

Worksheet where answers to questions are used to obtain a 3-digit code (which I set as the combination to a lockable money box containing a prize). Pupils race to finish first and crack the safe.

Based on an Nrich activity, pupils investigate how many different triangles can be drawn (with some restrictions). Leads to a very nice visual result and discussions about how pupils know they have found all possible answers.