Mr Browns Maths Tutoring - GCSE & A-Level Doncaster

Expanding a binomial doesn't have to be a chore! Remember how multiplication is commutative. Which brackets does it make sense to multiply first? What do you then notice?

Much like this problem, many GCSE and A-Level questions are often best read and interpreted as a collective of information rather than just a narrative that must be read beginning to end.

Think you know triangles? How many steps do you think this question needs to be solved? 3? 2? 1? When reciting the formula for the area of a triangle are you careful to include the word 'perpendicular'?

Sometimes maths is about taking that first step not knowing if it's the right one and seeing where the journey takes you. The only way to ensure failure is to not try in the first place.

Problem Solving. Simply defined as the application of known skills and techniques to unfamiliar problems. Have you recently done some mocks and don't feel the result is the best reflection of you? The gap might be problem solving!

Strip away the time limit competitive element and the rich quality of UKMT questions offer an excellent opportunity to carefully refine those problem solving skills.

Another great UKMT question on divisibility, this time from the 2020 grey kangaroo. What must some the non trivial factors of N be for these conditions to true? 🤔🤔

I saw a couple of very interesting questions in the 1992 senior maths challenge today and thought I'd share them here. They both offer lots of rich discussion, especially the probability question!

It's widely agreed that the best way to get better at maths is to do maths. That being said we must supplement our efforts with understanding if we wish to succeed further. Make sure you are answering reasoning questions on all the topics you can!

Starting A-Level maths this year and in need of a boost? Starting year 11 or year 13 this year and need extra exam prep? Get in touch and arrange a consultation session now.

A fantastic code based challenge question! A perfect example of a question that begs to be visualised. Have a go and put your answers in the comments below!

A nice lattice problem from the Senior UKMT Challenge from 2008! Let me know in the comments what you think!

Frequently asked questions regarding my tutoring and myself:

What is your scope? All of GCSE, A-Level Maths (Pure and Applied) and a sizable amount of Further Maths (Pure). I am constantly recaping, studing and doing the maths myself to keep my topic understanding as fresh as possible!

What do you offer? I work with students to achieve their goals in maths by empowering them with the tools and skills to tackle problems (exam questions and problem solving questions) as well as the insight into uses and applcations to provide a basis for understanding.

How much? I charge a competitive rate of £30 per hour with an introductory discount of 20% off the first session.

What exam boards do you cover? AQA, Edexcel and OCR. Other boards will require assessment on individual case by case basis.

What are your relevant qualifications? I have a First Class Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as A-Levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics. I also have 2 GCSEs in Mathematics (Linked paired methods and applications). I have QTS (qualitfied teaching status) and an enhanced DBS dated Sept 2021 available on request.

How long? I offer 60 and 90 minutes sessions much like driving lessons, sometimes that extra 30 minutes make a huge difference in our understanding.

What would a typical session entail? After an indroductory session where we can sit together to work out what is needed and/or where the gaps are a typical session will hopefully be a relaxed environment where we can break down examples of questions on specific topics of interest and an opportunity to answer tailored questions with my direct support and guidance (if needed). I may then leave some extra questions with you for you to practice independently depending on your needs/requirements.

Do you do online sessions? As it stands I only offer in person sessions as I see this to be the best way I can maximise the majority of typical desired outcomes as it stands. This may change as the year develops.

COVID-19? As part of my work in school I test twice weekly using LFTs. Should I identify a positive result on one of these tests I will be seeking a PCR following the latest government guidance. I will notify any clients that may be affected by this and alternative provisions can be discussed.

If you have any questions or doubts please get in touch, I am nothing of not kind, approachable, and above all, mad about maths! 😀🤓🤪