Student Toolkit

Choosing the right tools and setup makes a real difference to a student’s confidence, progress, and lesson quality. This page outlines the calculators, study resources, and technology setup I recommend for students attending online Maths lessons.

These are the same types of tools and materials I refer to during tutoring sessions.

If you are unsure what is suitable for your child’s level, please feel free to ask.

A reliable scientific calculator is one of the most important tools for GCSE and A-Level Maths. Students should be confident using their calculator well before exams.

Recommended models

GCSE (Foundation & Higher):

• Casio fx-83GTX
• Casio fx-85GTX

GCSE Higher & A-Level:

• Casio fx-991EX ClassWiz
• Casio fx-991CW ClassWiz (newer model)

Students should bring their calculator to every lesson.

Revision guides are most effective when used alongside active question practice, not passive reading.

Recommended approach

• Use one exam-board matched revision guide
• Add a separate practice question book
• Focus on worked examples and exam-style questions
• Use weak-topic targeting rather than cover-to-cover reading

During lessons, we regularly work with exam-style questions and past paper problems.

Past paper practice is one of the highest-impact revision strategies.

Students are encouraged to:

• Practise timed questions
• Mark using official mark schemes
• Keep an error log
• Bring difficult questions to lessons
• Reattempt corrected questions later

This builds exam technique as well as subject knowledge.

For students who want to build mathematical curiosity and confidence beyond exam preparation, enrichment reading can be helpful.

These are useful for:

• Stretching strong students
• Building interest in maths
• Developing problem-solving mindset
• Positive STEM representation

This is optional — exam preparation remains the priority for most students.

To keep online lessons smooth and productive, students need the correct basic technology setup. This prevents wasted lesson time and allows us to focus fully on learning.

Lessons should be attended using:

• Laptop or desktop computer
• Tablet only if it supports writing with a stylus
• Mobile phones are not suitable for online maths lessons

Why phones are not suitable

• Screen too small for algebraic working
• Difficult to view questions and diagrams
• Slows problem solving
• Limits interaction

Because Maths requires step-by-step working, a writing device significantly improves lesson quality.

Helpful options

• Graphics tablet with stylus
• Touchscreen laptop with pen
• Tablet with stylus support

Benefits

• Clear working shown in real time
• Faster feedback
• Better explanation flow
• Closer to paper-style maths working

Students without a tablet can still write on paper and show their work — but digital writing is more efficient.

Students should have:

• Stable internet connection
• Quiet workspaceWorking microphone
• Headphones (helpful but optional)

Camera may be requested where appropriate for engagement and safeguarding.

Even with digital tools:

• Notebook
• Pen/pencil
• Calculator

Handwritten working remains important.

• Ensure your child has the correct calculator
• Avoid buying multiple revision books unnecessarily
• Prioritise question practice over reading
• Prepare the correct technology setup before lessons

Good preparation leads to better lesson outcomes