Fractions Deep Dive: Preparing for Algebra

Too many students struggle with algebra.

We don't need a national enquiry as to why this is: many students never really get to grips with the rules of our number system. Have you, too, inadvertently skipped over these rules, touching on them only briefly? Have you ploughed ahead relying on prescribed methods you simply memorise? Is there now a lot to remember?

The rules of numbers, and all their delightful interconnections, are a joy to discover in this deep dive into fractions. Our destination may be the world of algebra, but it's a solid understanding of all things fraction-related that will allow you to stride into it fearlessly.

We are confident this course offers a plethora of aha moments! Join us, and discover some delightful revelations.

We are based in the UK, and this course is intended for KS3 and GCSE/IGCSE students. But mathematics is a universal language: if you are about to begin algebra or are a long-surviving sufferer, this course is for you.

We build on Yr6 (end of primary education, age 11) and Yr7 fractions knowledge. We do away with the tricks and tips you may have been taught, and instead lay the bricks of a solid foundation. This will serve you well as both a strong anchor point and a bedrock for the scaffolding of more advanced techniques as you continue your journey into mathematics. Our aim is to equip you for your future studies, your future careers, and for problem solving in your everyday lives. We hope to make you feel genuinely clever, and bring a quiet confidence to your mathematics.

The course consists of 55 videos, ranging in length from 5 mins to 15 mins, and alongside the maths, Michael offers a broader mentorship and occasional insight into his other life as a professional engineer.

Course video lessons:

The course also includes 17 downloadable PDF worksheets. These are an integral part of the course and we encourage everyone to have a go. They can be viewed on screen using a PDF viewer, or can be printed out. There is space on each worksheet for your workings and answers, and all worksheets include fully worked solutions.

Some example pages - Worksheet 2A pg1, Worksheet 4B Answers pg3, Worksheet 5A pg1

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Our Worksheets do not provide mundane repetitive practice: there is sometimes a place for such practice but there is also a plethora of free resources available from other providers for such. We aim to make you think, and provide guidance and hints on the worksheets themselves to signpost your direction of thought. We are huge advocates of the word YET: if you can't do some of the questions YET, fear not. We aim to keep you in your Learning Zone not leave you sat in your Comfort Zone (see video 44: Chapter 8: Exam Questions).

We do not believe in the educational strategy of "teaching to the test". Simply imparting methods intended primarily to improve your performance on an examination, rather than to enhance your understanding of mathematics, is folly. But for many of our students, high school exams are a necessary stepping stone, and we know this. We target a level of understanding that will turn anxiety-inducing exams into fun challenges, and all our courses continually challenge students to attempt related exam questions: you do not need to be 15 going on 16 to have a go at past paper exam questions.

We hope you enjoy the course, and that your inner mathematician is inspired by your deep dive into fractions. We aim to leave you excited to explore the world of algebra further with us in future courses.

The Team at Gill Learning.

Course author: Louise

Course presenter: Michael

Video editor: Alex

Paid / free for elsewhere:

Our free content is intended to provide non-members with a taster of our courses.

Accompanying course worksheets are only available to members