TheSchoolRun.com closure date
As we informed you a few months ago, TheSchoolRun has had to make the difficult decision to close due to financial pressures and the company has now ceased trading. We had hoped to keep our content available through a partnership with another educational provider, but this provider has since withdrawn from the agreement.
As a result, we now have to permanently close TheSchoolRun.com. However, to give subscribers time to download any content they’d like to keep, we will keep the website open until 31st July 2025. After this date, the site will be taken down and there will be no further access to any resources. We strongly encourage you to download and save any resources you think you may want to use in the future.
In particular, we suggest downloading:
- Learning packs
- All the worksheets from the 11+ programme, if you are following this with your child
- Complete Learning Journey programmes (the packs below include all 40 worksheets for each programme)
You should already have received 16 primary school eBooks (worth £108.84) to download and keep. If you haven’t received these, please contact us at [email protected] before 31st July 2025, and we will send them to you.
We are very sorry that there is no way to continue offering access to resources and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.
Introduction to algebra
What is algebra?
Algebra is like solving puzzles with letters instead of just numbers. We use these letters to stand for numbers we don't know yet, and then we do maths operations to figure out what those numbers are.
Think of algebra as a tool that helps you solve puzzles involving numbers. Instead of working with specific numbers, we use letters like x, y, and z to represent unknown values. We then use rules and techniques to manipulate these symbols in equations to find out what those values are.
How is algebra taught in primary school?
In primary school, algebra is introduced gradually and typically starts with basic concepts that lay the foundation for more advanced algebraic skills in later years.
Children are introduced to the concept of variables, which are usually represented by letters such as x, y, and z. They learn that these variables can represent unknown numbers or quantities. For example, they might see simple equations like x + 3 = 7 and they need figure out what x is by creating other equations that will help (7 - 3 = 4, so replace x with 4).
Teachers sometimes use objects or visual aids to help children understand algebra. For instance, they might use blocks or pictures to represent variables and numbers in equations. This hands-on approach helps children grasp the idea of representing unknown quantities symbolically.
How will this introduction to algebra worksheet help my child?
This colourful algebra worksheet, created by an experienced educator, provides clear explanations and examples with plenty of opportunity for your child to practice what they've learned and consolidate their algebra knowledge – building their confidence and helping them succeed in the classroom.
For more practice and to build on existing skills, try our Simple algebra problems worksheet or our Using simple algebra tutorial.
