Maths
Mathematics can be enjoyed and appreciated more fully once a pupil has a deep sense of the number system. We prioritise depth over breadth, challenging our pupils to build on prior learning, make connections between concepts and apply what they have learnt to unfamiliar contexts.
Key Stage 3
Pupils in Year 7 and in Year 8 have five 50 minute lessons of Maths a week and are taught in mixed attainment classes. They follow a Mathematics Mastery, research-led, curriculum. This does not follow one specific textbook. Pupils are set 2 home-learnings for Maths each week.
Pupils develop their recall speeds of multiplication and division facts through the regular use of Times Table Rockstars in Year 7. We use visuals and concrete manipulatives in class to support pupils’ conceptual understanding.
Year 7
Autumn 1: Solve word problems (Addition & Subtraction)
- Number bonds
- Convert units
- Money +/−
- Measurement
Link to KS3 content:
- Place value (including decimals)
- Add and subtract (including decimals)
- Rounding
- Perimeter
- Mental strategies
Stretch & Depth:
- Different counting systems or bases
- Generalisation
- Upper and lower bounds
Autumn 2: Explain & Investigate (Multiplication & Division)
- Mental strategies
- Multiplication facts
- Multiplication strategies
- Solve number problems
Link to KS3 content:
- Factors and multiples
- Multiply and divide (including decimals)
- Area of rectangle, triangle and parallelogram
- Calculate the mean
- Further mental strategies
Stretch & Depth:
- Shikaku puzzles
- Different counting systems or bases
- Alternative methods of multiplication
- Generalisation
Spring 1: Geometry
- Lengths and units
- Parallel and perpendicular
- Work with angles
- Division and the mean
Link to KS3 content:
- Draw and measure angles
- Find unknown angles (straight lines, at a point, vertically opposite)
- Properties of triangles and quadrilaterals
- Unit conversions (linear)
- Symmetry and tessellation
Stretch & Depth:
- Tessellating triangles and quadrilaterals
- Tangram investigations
- Rigid shapes
Spring 2: Fractions
- Equal parts
- Factors and multiples
- Tenths and hundredths
- Word problems
- Fractional areas
Link to KS3 content:
- Equivalent fractions
- Compare and order fractions and decimals
- Change mixed numbers to improper fractions and vice versa
- Fraction of a quantity
- Multiply and divide fractions
Stretch & Depth:
- Terminating and recurring decimals
- Fractions of tangrams
- Shape block challenges
Summer 1: Applications of Algebra
- Areas of rectangles and triangles
- Number patterns
- Algebraic notation
- Triangle and quadrilateral properties
Link to KS3 content:
- Order of operations
- Substitution
- Form and simplify algebraic expressions
- Expand over a single bracket, and factorise
- Sequences (term-to-term, not nth term)
Stretch & Depth:
- Four fours
- Patterns and generalising
- Algebraic mean questions
Summer 2: Percentages and Statistics
- Decimals and problem solving
- Fractions of shapes
- Equivalence
- Order of operations
Link to KS3 content:
- Construct and interpret statistical diagrams including pie charts
- Convert between percentages, vulgar fractions and decimals
- Percentage of a quantity
- Find the whole, given the part and the percentage
Stretch & Depth:
- Comparing and converting between representations
- Applications of percentages
Year 8
Autumn 1: Number
- Factors, multiples and primes
- Multiplication and division
- Fraction equivalence and calculations
Link to KS3 content:
- Primes and indices
- Prime factorisation, squares and cubes
- Use of Venn diagrams to find LCM and HCF
- Add and subtract fractions
Stretch & Depth:
- Egyptian fractions
- Continued fractions
- HCF and LCM generalisation
Autumn 2: Algebraic Expressions
- Problem solving with fractions
- Order of operations
- Form algebraic expressions
- Substitution
Link to KS3 content:
- Order and calculate with negative numbers
- Form and solve linear equations (unknowns on one side)
- Use more complex algebraic expressions
- Linear sequences: nth term
Stretch & Depth:
- Explore non-linear sequences
- T-totals
Spring 1: 2D Geometry
- Angle types
- Angle facts
- Rectangle and triangle areas
- ×/÷ by powers of 10
- Problem solving with negative numbers
Link to KS3 content:
- Construct triangles and quadrilaterals
- Calculate unknown angles (including parallel lines)
- Unit conversions (including area)
- Area of a trapezium
- Areas and perimeters of composite figures
Stretch & Depth:
- Similarity and ratio
- Complex constructions
- Simple angle proofs
Spring 2: Proportional Reasoning
- Rounding
- Bar modelling with factions
- Fraction ×/÷
- Bar modelling with equations
- FDP equivalence
Link to KS3 content:
- Percentage increase and decrease, including multipliers
- Reverse percentage problems
- Ratio (equivalent, of a quantity) and rate
- Scaling and multipliers
- Speed, distance, time
Stretch & Depth:
- Density
- Area scale factors
- Loan repayment
Summer 1: 3D Geometry
- Rectilinear areas
- Fraction +/−
- Problem solving with fractions
- Percentage increase and decrease
- Substitution with negatives
Link to KS3 content:
- Use of significant figures and estimation
- Circumference and area of a circle
- Visualise and identify 3-D shapes and their nets
- ·Volume of cuboid, prism, cylinder, composite solids
- Surface area
Stretch & Depth:
- Platonic solids
- Percentage errors
- Plans and elevations
Summer 2: Statistics
- Statistical diagrams
- Ratio and rate
- The mean
- Calculator skills and rounding
Link to KS3 content:
- Collect and organise data, including surveys
- Interpret and compare statistical representations
- Mean, median and mode averages
- The range and outliers
Stretch & Depth:
- Misleading graphs
- Equal width histograms
- Sampling methods
Enrichment Opportunities
- Mathletes
- Inter-house University Challenge
- Times Table Rockstars
- Inter-house Rock Wrangles
- UKMT Challenge
- Pangea Maths UK Competition