Maths

What is the overall aim of what we are learning in Maths?

The intention of the Maths curriculum is that students will become fluent in the fundamentals of maths and be able to reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, by describing relationships and by developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.  They will be exposed to varied and increasingly complex problems over time, so that students develop a conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply mathematical knowledge rapidly and accurately.

What are students learning in Year 7?

In year 7 students will predominantly cover work on number, algebra and ratio. This will build on concepts taught at Key Stage 2 such as fractions and percentages. New material will also be introduced such as solving equations and ratio problems.

Why are they learning these things?

Number and Algebra are at the heart of Maths and the concepts introduced in year 7 will be built on as they progress through the school.

What are students learning in Year 8?

In year 8 the curriculum focuses on geometry, probability and statistics whilst still having ample opportunities to revisit work covered in year 7. Some topics will be familiar to the students such as area and perimeter whilst others will be new such as angles in polygons and Venn diagrams

Why are they learning these things?

Number and Algebra are at the heart of Maths and the concepts introduced in year 7 will be built on as they progress through the school. The shape and data topics allow the year 8 students to study different areas of Maths whilst using some of their number and algebra skills in more practical and real-life scenarios

What are students learning in Year 9?

Year 9 is a transition year in Maths from KS3 to KS4. Students will now begin to follow either the Foundation or Higher scheme of learning. The curriculum focuses on key concepts in Number, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Handling.  

Why are they learning these things?

The topics covered this year lay the foundations for the content students will study during KS4. In Year 9, students will also engage in more problem-solving activities and develop their ability to apply mathematical reasoning.  

What are students learning in Year 10 & 11?

In Key Stage 4, students continue to develop their skills learnt at Key Stage 3. Students will study topics from Number, Algebra, Shape, Space & Measure, Ratio & Proportion, Probability and Data Handling. They will build on the knowledge they have already gained and gradually improve their ability to problem solve and to reason mathematically.

Why are they learning these things?

All the content taught at Key Stage 4 prepares our students to become able mathematicians who can apply their knowledge to everyday situations. The skills they acquire will prepare them for the GCSE exams they sit at the end of year 11.

How can I find out more about what students are learning?

What are students learning in Year 12 & 13?

The A Level Mathematics course is divided into two main components: Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. Pure Mathematics forms two-thirds of the overall content and focuses on core mathematical principles such as algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, and proof. The remaining third is dedicated to Applied Mathematics, which is split equally between Statistics and Mechanics. The Statistics section explores topics like probability, data analysis, and statistical distributions, while the Mechanics section covers concepts related to forces, motion, and Newton’s laws. Together, these elements provide a balanced understanding of both theoretical and practical mathematics.

Why are they learning these things? 

Mathematical and statistical problem solving, data analysis and interpretation skills are all developed through the study of A-level Maths and are considered valuable in a broad range of subject areas. Some of the most interesting and well-paid careers revolve around Maths. Careers in finance, medicine, engineering, and business are all open to people with a background in Mathematics, as are careers in technology — Maths being at the very core of all new technological developments.

How can I find out more about what students are learning?