Maths With Dave/I/GCSE Essential Skills Course

  • £240

I/gcse maths essential skills course

  • Course
  • 193 Lessons

A unique way to learn I/GCSE Maths.

  • A strategy for covering the course that actually makes sense

  • A huge library of lessons, exercises, worked solutions, guidance, past papers and more

  • An accessible and affordable alternative to private tuition

  • Access to on-demand help and feedback from Dave (the course creator) included!

Contents

Getting Started

Everything you need to know about how the course works.

Getting Started
Preview
Course Structure
Preview

Module 1 - The "Universal Table" and Intro to Solving Equations



You're going to learn one of my favourite techniques in this module - the "Universal Table".  In fact its not just my favourite technique - this method is the one thing I teach that I receive the most positive feedback on out of this entire course!

It's a really simple, powerful tool for solving all sorts of problems that we see in GCSE maths; we're going to start off by showing how it can be used for both exchange rates and percentages.

We're also going to start building a framework for equation solving that will take you from the simplest problems out there right through to the most complicated equations possible in GCSE maths.

A small note on a common concern:

Sometimes we get early feedback from students, who are concerned that they are going to have to learn brand new methods for everything in their GCSE - which can feel overwhelming. Don't worry! Most of the methods you'll see here will be familiar - perhaps taught in a new way, or in greater depth.

When you do learn a brand new method, its because I believe it will be something simple and effective that will really help you - and this "Universal Table" is one of those methods.

All that being said....

Let's get stuck in!

Introduction to Exchange Rates
Preview
The Universal Table
Flexible Fractions
Exchange Rates with the Universal Table
Exchange Rates Exercise
Exchange Rates Solutions
Universal Table Basics
Percentages - Lesson 1
Percentages - Lesson 2
Percentages Exercise
Percentages Solutions
Percentages Quiz
Solving Equations - Part 1
Solving Equations: Exercise 1
Solving Equations: Solutions 1
Multiplying with the BUBBLE GRID!
Module 1 Milestone Test
Module One - DONE!

End of Module Consolidation

Work through these videos and exercises to lock in your skills.

Remember...

You can always go back and review previous lesson videos if you need a reminder! This is a natural, normal and important part of your learning - don't feel frustrated, or that it's taking up extra time. Review and reflection is a fundamental step in mastering new skills.

Summary worksheet 1
Summary worksheet 1 Solutions

Module 2 - More equations, More Percentages, Problem Solving and Pythagoras

Module 2!

I'm not gonna lie - this one is packed full to overflowing with content.  If it takes you a bit longer to get through everything, that's completely fine.  Once we've laid these foundations, you'll find we use them over and over again in future modules.


So what's in store?

Here we'll extend our knowledge of Equation Solving, see how the Universal Table can be used to handle more percentage topics and start to talk about strategies for problem solving using a straightforward system to structure the flow of our work.

We'll apply this system to a question about Pythagoras Theorem to see how we can put it into practise, and to take a moment to cover this important bit of mathematical vocabulary.

You'll also notice that in this module I start to introduce course notes.  While it's great putting everything into video format, learning an idea in multiple ways does enhance your understanding.  So for example, I'll give you some pages covering both problem solving and Pythagoras, and then there'll be a video example of how they work together.

Not only will this give you a better chance to absorb the material, it can also be more convenient later on to refer to notes rather than try and find the exact time in a video for the information you need - so please do study them - don't just skip to the videos!

Enough talking - let's get stuck in...

Equations Involving Brackets
Equations Involving Brackets - Exercise
Equations with Brackets - Solutions
Compound Interest, Depreciation and Simple Interest
Reverse Percentage Problems
Interest and Reverse Percentages Quiz
Percentages Exercise 2
Percentages Exercise 2 Solutions
Equations Involving Fractions
Equations with Fractions Exercise
Equations with Fractions - Solutions
Equation Solving Quiz
Starting to Think About Problem Solving
A framework for problem solving
Intro to Pythagoras' Theorem
Pythagoras' Theorem
Pythagoras Problem Solving Question
Pythagoras Solution (FSNS in action)
Problem Solving Quiz
Module 2 Milestone Test
End of module 2

End of Module Consolidation

Work through these videos and exercises to lock in your skills.

Remember...

You can always go back and review previous lesson videos if you need a reminder! This is a natural, normal and important part of your learning - don't feel frustrated, or that it's taking up extra time. Review and reflection is a fundamental step in mastering new skills.

Summary worksheet 2
Summary worksheet 2 Solutions
Percentages, Compound Interest and Problem Solving
Problem Solving factsheet
Problem Solving 1
Problem Solving 1 Solutions

Module 3 - More Universal Table and Problem Solving (SOH CAH TOA)

This module is shorter than the first two, so if you're behind schedule its a good chance to get caught up :)

In this module we'll be looking at making use of the universal table to work with Pie Charts and Unit Conversions - two pretty straightforward applications.

Next, we'll see how our knowledge of the FSNS problem solving framework, and our knowledge of solving equations involving fractions, can help us tackle simple trigonometry problems.

Remember that in just a few weeks I can't cover every aspect of GCSE maths in detail for you...so when we get to some areas I'll provide notes and a good external resource to supplement the course materials - just in case you aren't up to speed.

Remember though that you can do this for yourself as well - if you are struggling with a section because you're not familiar with the subject knowledge, 20 minutes on YouTube can be really helpful!  Then you can return to the lesson confident that you know what's going on.

Pie Charts Lesson
Pie Charts Exercise
Pie Charts Solutions
Unit Conversions Lesson
Unit Conversions Exercise
Unit Conversions Solutions
Intro to Trigonometry (SOH CAH TOA)
Intro to Trigonometry (SOH CAH TOA) -Written Version
Trigonometry Questions
Trigonometry Solutions
Module 3 Quiz
Module 3 Milestone Test
End of Module 3

End of Module Consolidation

Work through these videos and exercises to lock in your skills.

Remember...

You can always go back and review previous lesson videos if you need a reminder! This is a natural, normal and important part of your learning - don't feel frustrated, or that it's taking up extra time. Review and reflection is a fundamental step in mastering new skills.

Summary worksheet 3
Summary worksheet 3 Solutions
Equation Solving, Brackets "Deep Dive", Problem Solving
Problem Solving factsheet
Problem Solving 2
Problem Solving 2 Solutions

Module 4 - Equations, Similar Shapes and Problem Solving Practise



In this module we're going to see how to solve equations involving multiple fractions.  This is the last stage of our FECS it skills training - and you'll be able to solve some real monster stuff by the time we're done!

After that we're going to - you guessed it - get into the universal table again.  Who knew one method could accomplish so much?

Then it's time for more problem solving practise.  Hopefully I've convinced you with our work on Pythagoras and Trigonometry that once we've got a formula for a situation, everything that follows is often pretty routine.

Let's go!
Solving Equations with Multiple Fractions
Equation Solving Exercise
Equation Solving Solutions
Similar Shapes Lesson 1
Similar Shapes Exercise 1
Similar Shapes Exercise 1 Solutions
Similar Shapes Quiz
Problem Solving Formula Sheet
Problem Solving Exercise
Problem Solving Solutions
Similar Shapes Lesson 2
Similar Shapes Exercise 2
Similar Shapes Exercise 2 Solutions
Multiplying DECIMALS with the BUBBLE GRID!
Module 4 Milestone Test
Module Four - Conquered.

End of Module Consolidation

Work through these videos and exercises to lock in your skills.

Remember...

You can always go back and review previous lesson videos if you need a reminder! This is a natural, normal and important part of your learning - don't feel frustrated, or that it's taking up extra time. Review and reflection is a fundamental step in mastering new skills.

Summary worksheet 4
Summary worksheet 4 Solutions
The Percentage Timeline Method, Trig and Pythagoras Questions
Problem Solving factsheet
Problem Solving 3
Problem Solving 3 Solutions
BONUS - Exchange Rates and MORE Universal Table topics

Module 5 - Probability and Problem Solving

In this module we're going to dive into the world of probability.


Compared to some of the work we've been doing, the calculations are pretty straightforward here, but we have to be very careful to really understand what calculations to do in each question - that's the challenge.

NOTE:
If you are in any doubt as to how to add, subtract, multiply or divide fractions - check out my tutorial right here!

I'm also going to get you working on a different approach to your problem solving that will hopefully get you thinking more creatively.

Let's go!
Probability Basics
Probability Exercise 1
Probability Exercise 1 Solutions
Probability - The Art of Careful Reading
Probability Exercise 2
Probability Exercise 2 Solutions
Combined Probability
Probability Exercise 3
Probability Exercise 3 Solutions
Probability Quiz
Probability - Tree Diagrams
Probability - Tree Diagrams Exercise
Probability - Tree Diagrams Solutions
Problem Solving - Bigger Picture
Problem Solving - Hidden Question Training
Hidden Problems - Question 1
Hidden Problems - Question 2
Hidden Problems - Question 3
Module 5 Milestone Test
Module 5, eat my dust!

End of Module Consolidation

Work through these videos and exercises to lock in your skills.

Remember...

You can always go back and review previous lesson videos if you need a reminder! This is a natural, normal and important part of your learning - don't feel frustrated, or that it's taking up extra time. Review and reflection is a fundamental step in mastering new skills.

Summary worksheet 5
Summary worksheet 5 Solutions
Another Probability Question Example
Trig "deep dive", Revision Strategies, more Universal Table

Module 6 - Rearranging Formulae, Straight Line Graphs and Relative Frequency

To start with we're going to learn how to use our equation solving skills - FECS IT - to rearrange a formula.  Then we turn our attention to Straight Line Graphs - a notorious topic in GCSE maths - much disliked and a major source of lost marks in the exam.

But actually, when you get down to it, graphs are not so bad!

In this module we're going to take our time and build up your straight line graph skills from zero to hero.  Let's go!



Rearranging Formulae Lesson
Rearranging Formulae Exercise
Rearranging Formulae Exercise Solutions
Plotting Graphs - The Basics
Interpreting the Straight Line Graph Equation
Using Gradient and Y-Intercept
Creating Graph Equations
Straight Line Graphs Quiz
Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Hidden Problems - Question 1
Hidden Problems - Question 2
Hidden Problems - Question 3
Relative Frequency (Lesson and Exercise)
Relative Frequency Solutions
Relative Frequency Quiz
Module 6 Milestone Test
Module 6, all wrapped up!

End of Module Consolidation

Work through these videos and exercises to lock in your skills.

Remember...

You can always go back and review previous lesson videos if you need a reminder! This is a natural, normal and important part of your learning - don't feel frustrated, or that it's taking up extra time. Review and reflection is a fundamental step in mastering new skills.

Summary worksheet 6
Summary worksheet 6 Solutions
An Unusual Probability Question
Exam Questions based on modules 1 to 5

Module 7 - More FECS IT, Quadratic Algebra

We're going to see how to solve simple inequalities, and put in some good old fashioned practise.

We'll also learn how to factorise and solve quadratics, and how to use the quadratic formula.

This module has the greatest amount of technical challenge in the course.  So go slow and really try and take the time to understand everything before moving on - you got this!



HIGHER PAPER ONLY - rearranging formulae exercise
HIGHER PAPER ONLY - rearranging formulae solutions
Solving Inequalities
Solving Inequalities Exercise
Solving Inequalities Solutions
Factorising Two Term Expressions
Factorising Two Term Expressions - Exercise
Factorising Two Term Expressions - Solutions
Full Quadratic Factorisation
Quadratic Factorisation Exercise
Quadratic Factorisation Solutions
HIGHER PAPER ONLY - harder quadratic factorising
HIGHER PAPER ONLY - harder quadratic factorising questions
HIGHER PAPER ONLY - harder quadratic factorising solutions
Solving Quadratics Using Factorisation
Solving Quadratics Exercise
Solving Quadratics Solutions
Module 7 Milestone Test
Module 7 is DONE!

End of Module Consolidation

Work through these videos and exercises to lock in your skills.

Remember...

You can always go back and review previous lesson videos if you need a reminder! This is a natural, normal and important part of your learning - don't feel frustrated, or that it's taking up extra time. Review and reflection is a fundamental step in mastering new skills.

Summary worksheet 7
Summary worksheet 7 Solutions
All about Straight Line Graphs

Module 8 - Ratios, Indices, Venn Diagrams and the Quadratic Formula


This is it.  The final module.  We made it!

I'm bringing back our old friend for a final lesson - the Universal Table!  We'll see how it helps us with ratio questions, which can often cause confusion once you get past the basics.

We've got a little more quadratic algebra to get through, and some lessons on the laws of indices.   We take a good look at Venn Diagrams - but if you're sitting the WJEC paper in Summer 2022 you can skip these lessons (as they have been removed from the syllabus for this year only).  We'll also get stuck into some more "hidden problems" along the way.

Last push.  Let's do it.
Ratios with the Universal Table
Ratios Exercise
Ratios Exercise Solutions
Hidden Problems - Question 1
The Quadratic Formula
The Quadratic Formula - Exercise
The Quadratic Formula - Solutions
Hidden Problems - Question 2
Hidden Problems - Question 3
Filling in Venn Diagrams (Lesson and Exercise)
Filling in Venn Diagrams Solutions
Interpreting Venn Diagrams (Lesson and Exercise)
Interpreting Venn Diagrams Solutions
Probability and Venn Diagrams (Lesson and Exercise)
Probability and Venn Diagrams Solutions
Laws of Indices - Lesson 1
Laws of Indices - Lesson 2
Laws of Indices - Lesson 3
Module 8 Milestone Test
End of Module 8 - amazing work!

End of Module Consolidation

Work through these videos and exercises to lock in your skills.

Remember...

You can always go back and review previous lesson videos if you need a reminder! This is a natural, normal and important part of your learning - don't feel frustrated, or that it's taking up extra time. Review and reflection is a fundamental step in mastering new skills.

Summary worksheet 8
Summary worksheet 8 Solutions
Past Paper Questions

Exam Questions, Extra Exercises and Course Consolidation

Here you'll find:

  • Questions collated from past papers

  • Additional exercises on key skills and topics

  • Alternative methods for some of the material in the main course

This section puts all your learning into the context of real exam questions, highlighting key skills at key levels so you can see how all the pieces come together...and how many marks this skillset can be worth in real life exam questions.

First and MOST importantly!
Focus on Foundation
WJEC Intermediate Question Selection based on modules 1 to 8.pdf
Solutions to Non-Calculator Section
Solutions to Calculator Section
WJEC Intermediate Selection
WJEC Intermediate Selection, Non Calc Solutions
WJEC Intermediate Selection, Calc Solutions
WJEC Higher Selection
WJEC Higher Selection Solutions
Probability Intermediate Exam Questions and Solutions
Probability Higher Exam Questions and Solutions