How to be an excellent teacher

how to be an excellent teacher

This guide reveals what factors contribute to making an excellent teacher.  I write this guide based on my own experience as a tutor and teacher for 10 years, and also from my observations of the excellent teachers I have come across along the way, some of whom taught me. This guide deliberately shies away from […]

Why I don’t let my students ask, “can you help me?”

teaching-students-to-think

Why I don’t let my students ask, “can you help me?”

As a teacher I have just one strict rule. By the end of the first half term all students know it well. Wear correct uniform at all times? No. Never be late to my lesson? No. Instead, it is, do not ask the question “can you help me?”. Does this sound harsh? Let me explain.

Why focusing on the right answer, is the wrong answer

Focusing only on answers when learning maths

Why focusing on the right answer, is the wrong answer

We’ve all been there,  someone asks you a question you’re supposed to know, and your mind goes blank. This probably happened more when you were a child, but even as adults we can suffer from mental brain freeze. So what would 20% of that be? How much do we each have to pay if the total bill is X? What number do we times 2 by to get Y? Perhaps if it was a written question, where we were in the safety of our own heads, we’d work it out comfortably. So what actually happens to us, what happens to students when they are put under pressure?

Top Ten Tips for Behaviour Management

top ten tips for behaviour management

1) Be consistent

Whatever you do make sure you are consistent with your rules, the quality of your lessons and even your mood! Students tend to take an “offish” mood personally, they do not consider that you might just be having a bad day, or be slightly unwell, or highly stressed, instead they expect you to be consistent in your approach. Consistency is important and it enables students to feel secure and safe in your presence. If children feel safe they will trust you and a trusting relationship creates a healthy, positive rapport which reinforces the idea that learning from you is worthwhile…..

What is Differentiation and Why is it important?

What is Differentiation and Why is it Important?

Differentiation ensures that students’ are working at a level appropriate for their ability and that this level is constantly being challenged upwards. Questions should successively infer progression or a development of a learning concept. Differentiated tasks prevent work becoming too easy, which can occur with rote style learning as can be the case with some traditional worksheets and old-style textbooks.
Differentiation is important because……

Progression in Maths

What do our Progression Levels Mean?


The Cazoom Maths Team recognise that every student progresses at their own pace. A level 5 student in year 7 is likely to make quicker progress than a level 5 student in year 10.

“Light” progression lets you know that the worksheet was designed for a slower rate of progression, there will be more repetition and variables will change less frequently. …