Curriculum Vision and Intent
Our Mathematics curriculum aims to give every student the necessary knowledge, skills, and attributes to be successful in their chosen career, and in their adult life.
We aim to:
- Ensure every student has the required numeracy skills for a fruitful transition to the next stage of their lives
- Cultivate a deep level of problem solving skill and resilience in the face of challenge
- Develop the transferable skills of accuracy and precision in the ways in which they approach problems
- Offer opportunities for students to relate their learning to real world applications of maths
KS3 curriculum and assessment
Year 7 Curriculum
HT1 – Number Skills, Decimals, and Fractions
Mental calculations, written calculations, BIDMAS, types of numbers, working with negative numbers
Ordering decimals, decimal calculations
Comparing fractions, simplifying fractions, fractions calculations, converting between fractions, decimals, & percentages
HT2 – Probability and Lines & Angles
Language of probability, calculating probabilities, experimental probabilities
Geometrical vocabulary, measuring & drawing angles, triangles, quadrilaterals
‘Numeracy in Business’ year group project
HT3 – Analysing & Displaying Data and Expressions, Functions, & Formulae
Mean, median, mode & range of a set of values, displaying data
Function machines, simplifying expressions, substituting values into formulae
HT4 – Ratio & Proportion and Sequences & Graphs
Direct proportion, writing & using ratios, scales & measures
Linear sequences, co-ordinates, straight-line graphs
HT5 – Area & Volume and Equations
Area of triangles & quadrilaterals, perimeter, properties of 3D shapes, volume & surface area of cuboids
One-step equations, two-step equations, writing equations from word problems
HT6 – Revision and Transformations
Revision and consolidation of Y7 topics seen up to this point
Congruency, enlargement, symmetry, reflection, rotation, translation
Transformation group project
Year 8 Curriculum
HT1 – Number Skills, Decimals, and Ratio
Calculations, BIDMAS, negative numbers, powers & roots, factors & multiples
Ordering decimals, multiplying and dividing decimals
Different units, ratios of the form 1:n, ratios with decimals
HT2 – Expressions, Solving Equations, and Volume & Surface Area
Simplifying expressions, expanding brackets, factorising expressions
The balance method, three-step equations, simultaneous equations
Volume of simple prisms, nets, surface area of prisms, converting between units of area and volume
‘Numeracy in Business’ year group project
HT3 – Calculating with Fractions and Fractions, Decimals, & Percentages
All four operations with fractions, mixed numbers
Converting fractions, decimals, & percentages, percentages of amounts, recurring decimals, repeated percentage change
Pythogoras Thereu
HT4 – Lines & Angles and Straight-Line Graphs
Quadrilaterals, alternate & corresponding angles, proof, geometrical problems, exterior & interior angles
Gradients, direct proportion, equations of straight lines, y=mx+c, parallel & perpendicular lines
HT5 – Real Life Graphs and Dealing with Data
Conversion graphs, distance-time graphs, line graphs, rates of change, misleading graphs
Planning a survey, collecting data, averages & range, displaying & analysing data, presenting and comparing data
HT6 – Revision and Probability
Revision and consolidation of Y7 and Y8 topics seen up to this point
Calculating probabilities, probability diagrams, theoretical & experimental probability, independent events
‘Code Breaking group project
Year 9 Curriculum
HT1 – Number Skills, Multiplicative Reasoning, and Ratio
Indices, calculations, BIDMAS, standard form
Enlargement, percentage change, rates of change, proportion
Sharing into a given ratio, ratio with algebra & graphs
HT2 – Expressions and Sequences & Graphs
Substitution, formulae, expansion, factorisation
Nth term, non-linear graphs, y=mx+c, graphical simultaneous equations
‘Numeracy in Business’ year group project
HT3 – Constructions, Circles, Pythagoras, & Prisms, and Comparing Data
Scales, using equipment accurately, constructing triangles, loci
Area & circumference of a circle, arcs & sectors, Pythagoras’ theorem, prisms & cylinders
Frequency polygons, box plots, cumulative frequency
HT4 – Trigonometry and Non-Linear Graphs
Congruence & similarity, SOHCAHTOA, trigonometric graphs
Quadratic, cubic, & reciprocal graph
HT5 – Real Life Graphs and Dealing with Data
Conversion graphs, distance-time graphs, line graphs, rates of change, misleading graphs
Averages & range, displaying & analysing data, presenting and comparing data
HT6 – Revision and Quadratics
Revision and consolidation of Y7, Y8, and Y9 topics seen up to this point
Double bracket expansion & factorisation, solving quadratics, quadratic sequences, simultaneous equations
‘Hidden figures group project
Assessment at KS3
Students at KS3 are assessed once per full term. These assessments cover all material learnt up to that point, and contain a variety of question styles in order to fulfil the assessment objectives:
- AO1: Use and apply standard techniques
- AO2: Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically
- AO3: Solve problems within mathematics and in other contexts
These are primarily formative assessments and are used to identify the specific needs of each students and how they can continue to progress.
In addition to this, Y7 sit a Baseline Assessment in their first lesson. This is to highlight the strengths and areas for development of the cohort, and to provide starting points for each student to allow for monitoring progress.
KS4 curriculum and assessment
Year 10 Curriculum
HT1 – Number Skills, Percentages, and Algebra Review & Sequences
Calculations, BIDMAS, rounding to decimal places & significant figures, factors & multiples, surds
Fractions, decimal, & percentage equivalence, percentages of amounts, percentage change, reverse percentages
Simplifying expressions, expanding & factorising, solving equations, sequences
HT2 – Fractions, Accuracy & Measure, and Perimeter & Area
Ordering fractions, calculating with fractions, fractions of amounts, recurring decimals to fractions, algebraic fractions
Units of measure, metric units, bounds
Measuring lengths & angles, area & perimeter of 2D shapes, area & circumference of a circle, compound shapes, arcs & sectors
HT3 – Indices & Standard Form, Formulae, Functions, & Simultaneous Equations, and Pythagoras & Trigonometry
Estimating powers & roots, laws of indices, negative & fractional indices, using and calculating standard form
Rearranging formulae, inverse & composite functions, simultaneous equations, constructing equations
Pythagoras’ theorem, finding missing lengths & angles using trigonometry, applying to 3D situations
HT4 – Ratio & Proportion and Angles, Polygons, & Circle Theorems
Using & dividing into ratios, direct & inverse proportion, constructing & applying proportion equations
Rules of angles, angles on parallel lines, interior & exterior angles, properties of polygons, circle theorems
HT5 – Quadratics, Averages, Range, & Data, and Probability
Expanding & factorising quadratics, solving quadratics, the quadratic formula, nth term of a quadratic sequence
Averages & range, quartiles & the inter-quartile range, collecting & displaying data, bar charts & pie charts, frequency tables
Simple probability, theoretical & experimental probability, tree diagrams, Venn diagrams, conditional probability
HT6 – Revision and Real Life & Linear Graphs
Revision and consolidation of Y10 topics seen up to this point
y=mx+c, parallel & perpendicular lines, distance-time graphs, other real life graphs, solving equations graphically
Year 11 Curriculum
HT1 – Further Geometry, Non-Linear Graphs, and Volume & Surface Area
Recap of angles, Pythagoras’ theorem, and trigonometry, sine & cosine rules, ½ ab sinC, exact trigonometric values
Roots, intercepts, & turning points, Sketching and interpreting quadratic graphs, cubic & reciprocal graphs, exponential & trigonometric graphs
Properties of 3D shapes, plans & elevations, volume, surface area
HT2 – Similarity, Congruence & Transformations and Further Data & Statistics
Converting lengths, areas, & volumes, similar shapes, congruence, transformations
Recap of averages, charts, & tables, scatter graphs, histograms, cumulative frequency, box plots
HT3 – Inequalities, Compound Measures, and Further Algebra
Linear inequalities, quadratic inequalities, inequalities on a graph
Metric units, speed-distance-time, density-mass-volume
Recap of algebra skills, simultaneous equations involving a quadratic, iteration, algebraic reasoning & proof, transforming graphs, equation of a circle
HT4 – Constructions, Loci, & Bearing, Vectors, and Further Graphs & Rates of Change
Bisectors, shapes & angles, loci, scale drawings, bearings
Using and applying vectors, vector problem solving, using vectors for proof
Recap of straight-line graphs, growth & decay, average & instantaneous rates of change, areas under curves
HT5 – Revision for GCSE Examinations
Revision and consolidation of all GCSE content
HT6 – GCSE Examinations
Students sit their GCSE examinations
Assessment at KS4
Students are working towards their GCSE examinations at the end of Y11. We follow the AQA GCSE Mathematics specification, and the students are taught all topics between the beginning of Y10 and the end of Y11, building on their work at KS3.
The GCSE papers are each 90 minutes long and have a total of 240 marks on offer across all three papers:
- Paper 1 – Non-Calculator (80 marks)
- Paper 2 – Calculator (80 marks)
- Paper 3 – Calculator (80 marks)
The questions included aim to assess three core assessment objectives:
- AO1: Use and apply standard techniques
- AO2: Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically
- AO3: Solve problems within mathematics and in other contexts
To prepare for these examinations, KS4 student sit a number of Progress Tests and Mock Exams:
- Y10 Autumn Term 2 – Progress Tests
- Y10 Spring Term 2 – Progress Tests
- Y10 Summer Term – Mock Exams
- Y11 Autumn Term 1 – Progress Tests
- Y11 Autumn Term 2/Spring Term 1 – Mock Exams
- Y11 Spring Term 2 – Progress Tests
Y11 students are given full Past Paper Packs at the beginning of Autumn Term 2, Spring Term 2, and Summer Term 1, in order to aid their revision and practise of prior learning.
Pupils are expected to use our online platform Mathswatch to complete further past papers each week. We also complete past papers in class.
KS5 curriculum and assessment
What will I study?
The new A-Level course consists of two Pure Mathematics modules, and one Applied Mathematics module covering Statistics and Mechanics. A few of the topics from the GCSE Higher Tier are revisited at A level but, in general, students will be studying new topics and a much wider syllabus.
Pure Mathematics will consider proof, algebra, co-ordinate geometry, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, calculus and functions.
In Applied Mathematics, Statistics considers mathematical models in probability and statistics; data presentation and interpretation; statistical distributions and hypothesis testing. Mechanics considers mathematical models; kinematics; forces and Newton’s laws and moments.
As students’ progress throughout the two-year course, their mathematical maturity will increase and they will begin to appreciate the beauty and immense power of Mathematics.
The course encourages an understanding of Mathematics and mathematical processes in a way to promote confidence and foster enjoyment. It develops the ability to reason logically, to generalise, and to construct sound mathematical proofs.
How will I be assessed?
Exam Board: Edexcel
Syllabus no: 9MA0
Each module is assessed by a 2 hour exam, worth 33.3% of the qualification, taken at the end of Year 13. There is no coursework..
Component 1: Pure Mathematics
Component 2: Pure Mathematics
Component 3: Applied Mathematics
What are the entry requirements?
A-Level Mathematics assumes that students will use the mathematical background and expertise developed at GCSE. Thus, a minimum of a Grade 7 at GCSE is required. Students must be willing to enter into a partnership with their Mathematics teachers in order to share the more extensive knowledge of mathematical ideas and methods. Students must have a genuine interest in the subject and appreciate that, in terms of technical skills and understanding, it is quite different from the GCSE course. Students will need to have the maturity to take responsibility for their learning and understanding with the support of their Mathematics teachers.
Combinations
Mathematics is one of the oldest academic subjects. It therefore is well respected for university entrance and combines well with other A-Level subjects, whether they are art, science or language-based.
Extra and super-curricular opportunities
The Maths department offers a number of extra and super-curricular opportunities for our students.
Clubs
- Puzzle Club – Open to students from Y7 and Y8. Students tackle different puzzles each week, either by going head-to-head, or by working collaboratively to solve a variety of hands-on challenges.
- Maths Big Question – Open to students from Y8 and upwards. Students are exposed to some of the more creative areas of maths, and develop their problem solving skills by tackling some challenging, and incredibly interesting, problems.
- STEM Club (in partnership with the Science department) – Open to students from Y7-9. Students engage with a number of hands-on projects, applying their knowledge of both mathematics and science in a fun and fascinating setting.
- GCSE Extention– Open to students from Y10 and Y11. Students see the most challenging area of KS4 matheamtics and go beyond the GCSE curriculum. Students prepare for the Intermediate Maths challenge and some students will sit the FSMQ examination at the end of Y11 and get a highly respected, formal qualification.
- Drop-Ins – There is a weekly study and revision club on offer to GCSE maths students in the summer term of year 10.
Trips
In collaboration with the History department, the Mathematics department takes students to Bletchley Pack on alternate years to engage in a day exploring the immensely important role of codebreakers during the Second World War. Bletchley Park was home to Alun Turing’s team, who cracked the Enigma cipher machine in 1941. Students enjoy a day of cracking codes and learning about the vital impact that codebreakers have had on the history of the world.
Sixth Form
Sixth Form students are offered a number of opportunities to see the real-world application of their learning. They learn about the life of inspirational Iranian mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani, support a local primary school by assisting in their maths lessons, female STEM speakers discuss their routes into mathematical careers and are given the opportunity to mentor a Y11 student through their GCSE preparations. Additional external courses are offered to support students with University applications.
Future opportunities (careers, university courses)
A positive result in GCSE Mathematics is a requirement for the majority of professions. At A-Level, Mathematics is one of the most well-respected courses and provides a route into a number of degree courses, and subsequent careers.
At most universities, A-Level Mathematics is an essential requirement for the following degree courses:
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering (General)
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Statistics
A-Level Mathematics is also considered highly valuable for the following degree courses:
- Architecture
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Business Studies
- Dentistry
- Environmental Science
- Geography
- Geology
- Management Studies
- Medicine
- Optometry
- Physiotherapy
- Surveying
- Veterinary Science
Aside from the invaluable knowledge gained in both GCSE and A-Level Mathematics, students also develop the problem solving skills that are essential for all future careers.