In this course we will take a journey through directed number arithmetic to culminate in working algebraically. We will take an axiomatically coherent approach using algebra tiles as our model of communication. In doing so, we offer pupils the opportunity to gain conceptual appreciation and see connections between ideas that are the fundamental building blocks in mathematics.

Distribution and Factoring are essential algebraic skills needed when furthering one's study of mathematics and too often they are condensed into a set of procedural instructions. In this course we aim to offer pupils the opportunity not only to conceptualise these key ideas, but as the teacher, to think carefully about the links to other areas of mathematics. 

Algebraic proof is often found as one of the most challenging ideas within the school curricula. Using algebra tiles this becomes more intuitive for pupils and offers teachers a far better way of communicating these ideas that build upon models used in directed number, simplifying, equality, distribution and factoring.