We discuss the design and application of a system to support 11–14 year old students’ learning of algebraic generalisation. We focus on the system’s design, taking account the technical and pedagogical issues and challenges. We discuss the challenges involved in building a system that is both intelligent and exploratory. Our aim is to support both the teacher and the student without explicit tutoring. The system provides a set of tools for the teacher to follow students’ progress, informing her own interventions.