Making Maths Relevant

Every year, students ask the same question in maths lessons: “When am I going to need this in real life?”

For Mr Kelly, Head of Maths at Scarborough College, that question became the inspiration for a new resource designed to help students see the bigger picture. His book, Making Maths Relevant, brings together the essential mathematics covered in Years 7, 8 and 9, helping students build confidence, strengthen their understanding and connect classroom learning with the world around them.

Now available on Amazon, the guide has been developed with KS3 students in mind, providing an accessible resource they can return to throughout their learning journey. Rather than focusing solely on revision for the next test, it aims to bring key areas of mathematics together in one place, supporting students as they revisit topics and develop a deeper understanding of the subject.

Explaining what inspired the project, Mr Kelly said: “As a teacher, I wanted it to be something that was genuinely useful rather than simply another revision book. I have written a book that makes Maths real and relevant so students see there is more to the subject than learning formulas and methods. 

“The idea is to help students understand not just how maths works, but how mathematical concepts apply to everyday life outside of school.”

For parents, tutors and teachers working with students aged 11-14, the guide supports mathematical understanding by connecting mathematical knowledge with practical contexts while giving students a resource for independent study that reinforces classroom teaching.

At Scarborough College, developing confident, independent learners is central to the educational experience. Resources such as Mr Kelly’s book demonstrate how teachers can take the questions students ask in the classroom and turn them into opportunities to make learning more meaningful.

The next step is to turn the book into an engaging and fun app which leans heavily into careers and real world maths. Also called Making Maths Relevant, the app is currently being developed – we will keep you updated when it launches. 

Making Maths Relevant: Everything You Need for KS3 Maths is available to purchase on Amazon now.

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