The Mathematics Department Curriculum

We teach GCSE skills and content from year 7 to 11 as shown on our curriculum mapping spreadsheet. The same areas of study repeat year on year, each time increasing in complexity and content. This allows the pupils to recall, reinforce and extend. 

Year 7

In year 7 we aim to bring together methods taught at primary school and to establish the foundations for further study towards GCSE. We are assessing prior knowledge (PK) for each topic. Misconceptions and rote learning may need reinforcement before progression. Pupils will need clear guidance to adjust to the routines and expectations of secondary maths lessons.

• × and ÷ number work
• BIDMAS and calculator use
• Probability
• Negative Numbers
• Multiples and Factors
• Introducing Algebra, terms and expressions
• Constructions
• Median and Range for comparison
• Area
• Extending algebra, equivalent Expressions
• Decimals
• Parallel Lines and angles
• Percentages
• Algebra, starting to solve equations
• Quadrilaterals, properties and language
• Mean, Median, Mode and Range, problem solving
• 3D shapes
• My Money Week
• Sequences
• Introducing linear graphs
• Ratio

Year 8

In year 8 we aim to build on the foundations laid in year 7 increasing expectations as we move further towards GCSE. This is an opportunity for reinforcement of ideas and skills while starting to develop them further.

• Fractions, Decimals and percentages
• Percentage change
• Linear graphs
• Transformations
• Algebra, expanding and simplifying with negative numbers
• Real life graphs
• Algebra, writing and solving linear equations, substitution
• Experimental and Theoretical probability, probability spaces
• Angles in polygons
• Ratio, scale and proportion
• Planes of symmetry
• Metric and imperial units, including area and volume
• My Money Week
• Scatter graphs
• Frequency tables and diagrams
• Linear graphs extended
• Constructions, Loci and bearings

Year 9

In year 9 we aim to build on the foundations laid in year 7&8 completing most of the GCSE foundation syllabus content by the end of the year and continually moving closer to the style of question and assessment at GCSE. Recapping prior knowledge (PK) for each topic previously studied is advisable, this should not mean re-teaching, as pupils are expected to have remembered year 7 & 8 work. However, it is an opportunity for reinforcement of ideas and skills before developing them further. Gaps in pupils’ knowledge identified should be dealt with on an individual basis.

• Algebra, solving equations
• Algebra, manipulation, brackets and indices
• Standard form
• Circle, area and circumference
• Fractions and probability
• Cumulative frequency
• Linear graphs
• Pythagoras’ Theorem
• Simultaneous equations
• Changing the subject of a formula
• Similar shapes
• Functions and graphs
• Inequalities
• More manipulation, quadratics
• My Money Week
• Sequences
• Vectors
• Indices
• Using and Misusing statistics

Years 10 and 11

In year 10 we build on the foundations laid at KS3 preparing from the start for the GCSE exams including GCSE style questions and guidance on exam technique. We recapping prior knowledge for topics previously studied, however, this should not mean re-teaching, as pupils are expected to have remembered their previous work. It is an opportunity for reinforcement of ideas and skills before developing them further. Pupils are expected to take more responsibility for their progress and gaps in their knowledge should be dealt with on an individual basis, including use of the Maths Clubs.

Year 10

• Pythagoras and trigonometry
• Rearranging formulae
• Straight line graphs
• Circle Theorem, Angle recap from KS3
• Area and Volume, compound units
• Rates
• Upper and lower bounds
• Forming and solving equations
• Algebraic fractions and indices
• % change, exponential growth and decay
• Direct and inverse proportion
• Quadratics expand and factorise
• Solving Quadratics, graphs
• Inequalities
• Similarity and enlargement
• Length, area, volume, circles
• Vectors
• Sampling, Histograms, Data Handling Revision

Year 11

• Irrational numbers
• Surds
• Transformations
• Trigonometric graphs, formulas, 3D
• Probability
• Sequences
• Pattern and proof
• Iteration
• Functions
• Transforming graphs
• Algebraic fractions
• Simultaneous equations, incl quadratics
• Circle equations
• Congruence and proof
• Loci and constructions

Year 12 A level Mathematics

Transition material is provided over the summer holiday to help students prepare for the faster pace and higher standards of solution required at Advanced Level. Topics start by extending familiar GCSE skills and build to enable more complex problems solving. The content involves Pure Maths, Mechanics and Statistics. Detail is provided in the specification. The order of teaching varies depending on staffing and the timetable but is approximately as follows:

Pure Maths	Applied
Algebra and functions	Statistical sampling
Co-ordinate Geometry	Data presentation and interpretation
Differentiation	Quantities and units in mechanics
Factor theorem	Kinematics (SUVAT)
Binomial theorem	Correlation
Integration	Probability
Trigonometry	Forces and Newton’s Laws
Exponentials and logarithms	Binomial hypothesis testing
Binomial Distribution	Vectors
Proof	Variable acceleration
Vectors

 

Year 13 Mathematics

Students are now focusing on extending their skills and developing their examination technique to prepare for the final examination. This includes continual revision alongside learning the remaining content across the same areas as year 12. Further detail is provided in the specification. Approximate order is as follows:

Pure Maths	Applied
Trigonometry	Log Models in Statistics
Exponentials and Logarithms	Correlation Hyp. Testing
Differentiation	Probability II
Partial Fractions	Normal
Implicit and Parametric	Normal Hypothesis Testing
Numerical methods	Moments
Integration by substitution	Resolving
Functions and Modelling	Projectiles
Integration by Parts	Friction
Sequences and Series	Variable acceleration
Differential equations

Year 12 and 13 A level Further Mathematics

The Core Pure Maths is taught alongside the A level Pure, linking to Further Maths topics where applicable. In year 12 the students will cover all the material that the A level class(s) do and the following topics in addition.  Because of the need to build up skills there is a dominance of A level teaching in year 12 and a higher proportion Further Maths in year 13. The Applied Further Maths is taught after the A level content. Approximate order is as follows:

 

Year 12
Pure Maths	Applied
Complex numbers	A level contents from year 12 and 13 above
Matrices
Series
Proof by induction
Argand diagrams
Year 13
Roots of Polynomials	Discrete probability	Momentum and Impulse
Volumes of revolution	Poison	Work Power and Energy
Linear transformations	Binomial distributions	Elastic strings and springs
Vectors	Hypothesis testing	Elastic collisions in one dimension
Argand Diagrams 2	Central limit theorem	Elastic collisions in 2 dimensions
Complex numbers 2	Chi-squared tests
Methods in Calc 3-5	Quality of tests
Polar Coordinates	Probability generating functions
Maclaurin Series
Improper Mean value
Differential equations
Hyperbolic functions