It’s not just the key layout and menu options that have changed in the new ClassWiz range. There are upgrades to functionality, too, which Simon illustrated for us with some mathematical examples. Function key Of course, graphing software is an extremely useful teaching and learning tool, but Desmos is free and much more intuitive to use than a graphical calculator, and Autograph, also available free, is a very powerful alternative, so in my opinion there’s really no need for a graphical calculator. So what do I need to know about these new CW calculators? While GCSE classes will get the most out of these devices in terms of functionality, year 7 students can also use the basic calculator features of the ClassWiz range and explore the more advanced tools at their own pace. Another one that’s been brought to my attention: the functionality of the button has been changed so that it no longer “attaches” itself to the preceding number. It’s not actually wrong but it’s a change that will be very confusing for many students! That is brand new functionality, and it’s really nice because it enables teachers and students to do a lot more on the handset and to understand a lot more,” Simon said. Format key

From a usability point of view, I think it’s a huge improvement,” Simon told us. “It’s a lot more accessible, even if sometimes there are more key presses.” Enhanced functionality Another exciting aspect of this key is its ability to effectively respond to the user’s needs. After completing a calculation, the Format button will provide different options, based on the previous inputs and the resulting value. If you require any further information relating to the Delivery service used, please call us at +44 (0)20 8208 9567. Remember I mentioned that a graphical calculator is much more complex to operate than a scientific one? The CW models have narrowed that gap considerably – and not in a good way!

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On previous handsets, it was only possible to define and evaluate functions in this way within Table. A whole number will lead to menu options including prime factor decomposition, for example, while a decimal or fraction such as 2.5 can make use of sexagesimal conversion, to display a time value of 2h 30′ 0″.

The Format key is another useful improvement to the ClassWiz range, replacing the S↔D (standard to decimal) button found on previous handsets. As for the question of when is the best time to introduce the new ClassWiz range to particular year groups, we know teachers will always be the best-placed to answer this. You know your students, their learning patterns and how well they respond to different methods in the classroom. Crucially, the design and key layout of the updated fx-83/85GT CW and fx-991 CW models is identical, with only a few differences in labelling. The fx-991 CW is the minimum requirement for A-level maths, so students making the step up in year 12 will benefit from already being familiar with the fx-83/85GT CW. There’s no S-D button for simple conversion of results between fractions and decimals. The answer always defaults to a fraction, and to get it into decimal format you have to either (a) press FORMAT, use the arrow keys to select the preferred format and press OK or EXE, or (b) press Shift then EXE to get a decimal approximation (i.e. rounded decimal form) – but the latter option will only work correctly if pressing EXE doesn’t prompt the calculator to carry out another calculation.It’s also worth considering an A-level model, especially if you’re doing the Higher Tier and there’s a possibility that you might continue to study Maths in some form beyond GCSE. As I mentioned previously, lots of functions – too many to list here – now require more key presses than they did before. A particularly annoying one is nCr (to calculate the number of combinations of r items chosen from a set of n – used in binomial expansion and the binomial probability distribution). Previously it was the Shift function above the ÷ key, but now it takes the following series of key presses to get to the same place: Our nominated carrier is Parcel Force. Deliveries are made Monday – Friday between 9.00am – 6.00pm (excluding Bank Holidays).

Casio’s recommendation for GCSE students who have not yet adopted graphing technology is the fx-991 CW, while year 7 students will find all the functionality they need on the fx-83/85GT CW. The Casio fx-83GT CW ClassWiz is the new upgraded version of the Casio fx-83GT X (the UK’s best-selling scientific calculator), containing additional features, to include a high definition display and improved menu navigation. Allowed in every UK exam where a calculator can be used. Recommended and approved for Key Stages 3 & 4 (including GCSE, National and Higher, Junior and Leaving).If you have the older GT Plus then it will still do everything you need for GCSE, so don’t worry about that! The A-level model now has the generic equation solver function in the same place as the quadratic and simultaneous equation solvers, rather than in an apparently random position above the CALC button.