Mastering BIDMAS: Creative Strategies for Teaching GCSE Students Effectively

Teaching BIDMAS—Brackets, Indices, Division/Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction—is an essential part of preparing students for GCSE Mathematics. 

While it may seem like just another rule to memorize, mastering BIDMAS provides students with a framework for solving complex expressions accurately.

Key Takeaways

• There are different ways to help students remember the BIDMAS technique depending on their learning style
• Linking BIDMAS to real-life situations can make it easier for students to recall and apply both in exams and outside of school
• Using games and technology to provide a variety of practise exercises can keep study sessions fun and engaging

The challenge lies in making this rule stick in a meaningful way. Here are several strategies and insights for teaching BIDMAS so that students understand and apply it confidently.

1. Start with Real-Life Scenarios

Rather than jumping straight into numbers and formulas, begin by showing students that BIDMAS is relevant beyond the classroom. For example, ask: “If you are baking and need to multiply ingredients before adding extra portions, which do you do first?”

Or: “If you are calculating a mobile phone plan’s cost, how do you process discounts and fees in the correct order?” Using familiar concepts like these immediately answers the “Why does this matter?” question that many students silently - or not so silently!- ask.

2. Use Visual Tools and Colour Coding

Write an example like 8 + 3 × (5 − 2)² on the board, but highlight each stage in a different colour: brackets in blue, powers in green, multiplication and division in red, and addition/subtraction in black. Visual learners benefit greatly from colour cues because they can track the process step by step. This method works especially well for students who struggle with abstract rules — this way they can literally see the hierarchy in action.

3. Address Common Misconceptions Early

Students often think they should solve operations left to right without considering hierarchy. Deliberately write incorrect solutions on the board and discuss why they’re wrong. For instance, solving 5 + 2 × 4 as (5 + 2) × 4 instead of 5 + (2 × 4) shows how easily mistakes occur. Peer discussions on such examples deepen understanding and help students self-correct.

4. Scaffold Practice Problems

Begin with simple two-step problems like 3 + 4 × 2 before progressing to more complex expressions with nested brackets and powers, such as 2 × (5 + 3²) − 4. Encourage students to verbalize their reasoning: “First, I calculate the power, then the brackets, then multiplication…” This habit builds both accuracy and confidence. Providing a gradual increase in complexity reduces overwhelm and ensures mastery at each stage.

5. Make It Interactive and Collaborative

Turn BIDMAS practice into a fun activity. Split students into small groups, assign each group a problem, and offer points for accuracy and speed. You can even run a “BIDMAS relay” where one student starts solving, passes to the next, and so on. Adding friendly competition boosts engagement and helps even shy students to participate.

6. Leverage Technology and Gamification

Digital tools like interactive whiteboards, math apps, or online quizzes (e.g., Kahoot! or Wayground) can make BIDMAS exercises more exciting. Many students respond well to immediate feedback and gamified challenges. A leaderboard or progress tracking can encourage consistent practice outside of lessons.

7. Link to Exam Contexts

Show students past GCSE questions that test BIDMAS skills and go through them under timed conditions. Discuss strategies for double-checking work—such as using brackets in calculations to clarify steps—and emphasize that small arithmetic errors can cost marks even if the method is correct.

8. Apply Knowledge to Real-World Challenges

To wrap up, present a real-world task, like planning a party budget or calculating holiday costs, that requires knowledge of BIDMAS. When students see its value in decision-making, they internalize the method for use beyond exams.

Our job as tutors is to show how mastering maths concepts like BIDMAS can boost grades and make life easier. Find students seeking maths tutors and make a difference today!