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Shape a learning objective into explanations, questions, worked examples and classroom-ready resources.

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A clear brief, shaped for its audience.

Start with the learning objective, intended learners and classroom context. The work can turn that starting point into resources that make the key idea easier to teach and practise.

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Illustrative mathematics lesson design · KS3

One ribbon problem, from model to equation.

This proposed example connects what pupils are learning with what they can show, using the same ribbon situation from the first model to the final check.

Inspect the full sample portfolioRead the illustrative Year 8 ribbon-puzzle case study
Learning content · MathematicsProposed KS3 example

The ribbon problem

How long is each piece?

A 20 cm ribbon has 5 cm set aside. The remainder is cut into 3 equal pieces. How long is each piece?

Represent the whole ribbon3x + 5 = 20

Student-centred objective

Represent and solve the ribbon situation as a two-step equation, then check the answer by substitution.

Success criteria

  • Write 3x + 5 = 20 for the 5 cm set aside and 3 equal ribbon pieces.
  • Subtract 5, then divide by 3, to find x = 5 cm.
  • Substitute 5 for x and verify that 3(5) + 5 = 20.

Carry the same ribbon through three representations

Move from handling the strip, to drawing its parts, to writing and checking the equation.

  1. 01 · Concrete

    Mark and divide a strip

    Use a 20 cm paper strip or ribbon. Mark 5 cm as set aside, then fold or cut the remaining length into 3 equal pieces.

  2. 02 · Pictorial

    Draw a bar model

    Keep the total at 20 cm: one known 5 cm part and three equal parts, each with length x.

  3. 03 · Abstract

    Solve and check

    Let x be the length in centimetres of one equal ribbon piece.

    1. 3x + 5 = 205 cm plus 3 equal pieces makes 20 cm.
    2. 3x = 15Subtract 5 from both sides.
    3. x = 5 cmDivide both sides by 3.
    4. 3(5) + 5 = 20Substitution gives the original 20 cm ribbon length.

Key vocabulary in this problem

Variable
x names the unknown length of each equal ribbon piece.
Equation
3x + 5 = 20 records that the whole ribbon is 20 cm long.
Inverse operation
Subtract 5 to undo adding 5, then divide by 3 to undo multiplying by 3.
Solution
x = 5 cm makes the equation true and gives the length of each piece.
Substitution
Replace x with 5: 3(5) + 5 = 20, the ribbon’s full length.

One proposed illustrative KS3 example, not a pupil-tested resource or evidence of learner outcomes. Mathematical judgement and classroom context shape adaptation; a real resource needs review for its intended curriculum, class and learner needs. This single example does not cover every curriculum, age group or learner need.

How the work can take shape

What the work can include

  1. Clear explanations shaped around a defined learning objective.

  2. Questions that give learners a way to practise or check their understanding.

  3. Worked examples that make the reasoning visible step by step.

  4. Classroom-ready resources shaped for the intended learners and setting.

AI-assisted · Human-reviewed

AI supports the process. People shape the work.

AI supports exploration and drafting; mathematical judgement, classroom context and human review shape the deliverable.

For learning content, review shapes explanations, worked examples and questions for the intended learners and classroom context.

Learning access and inclusion

Keep the learning goal in view. Check what helps access it.

A resource may need to account for a particular learner, barrier or setting. Our inclusion approach starts with individual evidence and learner voice rather than assumptions about a group.

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