Maths by Ian

21/10/2026

What does ‘count on your community’ mean to you?

That’s the theme for next month’s Number Confidence Week with National Numeracy.

Your community could be colleagues, friends, neighbours or an online group. Whoever they are, why not reach out and talk about numeracy, maths and how we can help each other feel more confident with numbers?

You are my online community, so please do count on me! I’m always happy to chat about numeracy, maths and how we can make using numbers in everyday life easier.

14/10/2026

AI is a topic everywhere right now, as it should be. It’s an emerging and evolving technology that has potential to improve life as we know it (acknowledging the risks at the same time). But what does it mean for educators currently trying to navigate an unregulated landscape with students who are also unsure what is or isn’t safe and what is the best way forward.

For myself, I’m a tentative fan and I’m hoping that it figures out a way to rectify the huge environmental downside of using it asap.

What do I say to my students who ask me about it?

1. Use it for practice, don’t use it to do things for you - use it to test you, but double check the answers are right too.

2. Use it to explain concepts to you in different ways to help you understand something, ask for real life examples and applications.

3. Don’t become reliant on it, trust yourself and your own instinct and thinking first and foremost.

4. Use it, find new exciting ways to incorporate it into your learning and be open-minded. Your generation is the AI generation.

What I’d like to see arrive in 2027 is regulation, up to the moment training for educators and students to catch up with the speed of progress, and real action on the cost to the planet.

Asking my fellow educators, how are you embedding AI into your practice?

08/10/2026

Seeing that it's World Mental Health Day this weekend got me thinking about how much has changed since I first started teaching. In that time mental health has gone from something kept private to something we actively encourage people to talk about more openly.

We've gone from seeing mental health as something individual to recognising the role that family, friends, work, school and life plays too. We all know there's a way to go, but if there has been this much change so far in my lifetime - just imagine how much will change if we all keep talking, listening and making mental health a part of everyday life.

Sharing a picture of sunshine and summer, because looking back has made me consider that the future for mental health may just be a little bit brighter.

29/09/2026

Reflecting on a brilliant past few months. It may well have been the summer break, but there are always things to be done. I've been involved with the local Chamber of Commerce looking at the development of the local skills improvement plan, been busy making plans for the future of Maths by Ian alongside English by Laura and also congratulating my students for making it through exams and results days.

Looking forward to what the autumn months will bring 🍂

You can expect to hear much more about employability skills and how critical maths + English skills are for the next generation.

23/09/2026

"Employers need to be heard. Young people need to be heard. We need to think about how people will access Mathematics resources and teaching in the future rather than only looking backwards at how Mathematics has been taught in the past"

Celebrating 8 years of Maths by Ian this month. Read more about the journey and my research into learning and teaching along the way here 👇

8 years of Maths by Ian, and the adaptations that have been required along the way. More articles to follow. Does this article resonate with you? "Telling a fourteen year old that they are probably only suited to Foundation Mathematics can become much more than a decision about an examination paper....

14/09/2026

'I did it' - those are the words I enjoy hearing year after year when it's time for exam results to come in.

Maths and English tuition isn't just a nice to have, it's an investment in young people.

Investment that will carry them forward in academic, vocational and life choices for the rest of their lives.

I was asked recently if I thought that tutoring gave value for money, I guess my answer is that I don't think you can put a value on investing in the future.

08/09/2026

There's just two remaining 7:30pm slots left for Year 12 students looking to improve their grades.

If you know someone taking A Level Maths who would benefit from additional support then send them this post.

I offer tailored support with more challenging questions, utilising questions from Further Maths and/or providing Year 12 support with challenging questions, including Mechanics.

The sessions are designed to improve problem solving skills and develop mathematical thinking and ultimately improve the final grades. Drop the page a message or email me at [email protected] for more information.

01/09/2026

Going for a walk where's the maths in that?

Can you estimate how long a 5-mile walk will take you, if you can fit it in before lunchtime and how many steps that could be towards your target?

We use maths in so many ways every day without even thinking about it.

Don't ever let anyone make you think you aren't good at maths, we are all mathematicians every day.

01/09/2026

Hello September 👋

🍂 Hello September 🍂

A brand-new month is here, bringing the first hints of autumn, cosy days and lots of lovely occasions to celebrate.

I’ve been busy behind the scenes at Pink Blossom Crafts, creating personalised cards and preparing some new Christmas designs ready for later in the year.

What are you looking forward to most this September? 🌸