Maths Starters Year 8 pack

Maths Starters Year 8 pack is a comprehensive bank of mathematics questions specifically written to complement the work most pupils are taught between the ages 12-13 in United Kingdom schools.

The author is an experienced primary and secondary full-time teacher with over ten years teaching experience in state education; thus ensuring the resources are always up-to-date and relevant.

What does the Year 8 pack contain?

• 45 sheets of questions with answers (each lasting 10-15 minutes);
• CD ROM with the files in pdf format for further printouts;
• Email service to the author.

What benefit are they to pupils?

1. Remembering previous work

Most people need to practice skills several times, before they become proficient. It is common place for pupils to forget some skills and techniques taught only a few months ago – such as calculating the volume of a prism, or finding a missing angle through spotting corresponding or alternate angles. This is why topics in mathematics are repeated at least twice a year – but that still may leave several months between revisiting. Maths Starters’ questions jump from one question to another, consolidating previous learning and therefore increase the likelihood of the skill being remembered for a sustained period.

2. End of Key Stage Statutory tests – SATs

Towards the end of Year 6 (11 year olds) and Year 9 (14 year olds), pupils in state school must sit external exams. This assessment is valuable information for teachers the following year – such as setting for Year 7 and GCSE groups - so it is important each child achieves their best level possible. A SATs paper tests skills across the whole curriculum – not one topic. Therefore the questions (often) on a single Maths Starters page vary accordingly. Pupils need to practice jumping their thinking from one topic to another in a short space of time – unlike school lessons where perhaps a week is focussed on only a few focussed skills.

How do I use Maths Starters?

Each set of questions is designed to take between 10-15 minutes to answer. Hopefully the more used to the mathematics, the quicker they can be answered. Answers are supplied for the child or adult to mark, allowing instant feedback and a useful assessment.

What other benefits are there?

Regularly practicing Maths Starters will give your child or pupil greater confidence in their mathematical ability – and perhaps confidence as a whole.

You can plan in advance revision prior to the SATs tests, reducing any potential worry.

One year’s Email support available (ten free) to the author. The author will be happy to answer mathematical questions based on Maths Starters and SATs in general.

Which pack should I buy?

Pupils do not learn at the same rate. Some pupils aged 11 are more able and can attempt work a 12+ year old would normally experience. By the same token, older pupils may have gaps in their knowledge and need material younger than their age group.

For this reason, whilst the packs are titled in terms of year groups (most pupils can answer), you might also wish to consider the level. As a guide: Teachers are pleased when 11 year olds achieve level 4 (obviously 5 is lovely) and 14 year olds achieve level 5 (but much preferably a 6).

Through talking to your teacher, you can quickly find out the level your child is currently working at. If you are still unsure, email the author for further assistance.