Mathematics

Key Stage 3Key Stage 4Sixth FormAssessmentEnrichment

Intent

The intent of the maths curriculum at THS is to provide students with a foundation for understanding number, reasoning, logical thinking, and resilient problem solving so that they are fully prepared for the future. Students are given opportunities to become confident and competent at using maths in everyday life and learn skills which are transferable.

The Key Stage 3 maths curriculum builds on the skills and knowledge acquired at Key Stage 2 to lay strong foundations for the GCSE course. Students experience a broad range of content across the following areas of mathematics: number, geometry, algebra and statistics. They are given regular opportunities to see how these areas are connected and how they are applied to real life problems.

Topics

The tables below give an outline of topics to be taught throughout Years 7 to 9. Topics will be taught at the appropriate level of difficulty for each maths set, with opportunities for every student to consolidate prior learning, develop new skills and experience breadth across the curriculum.

Homework will be set by the class teacher on a regular basis. This may take the form of finishing set work, revision of skills, investigating new topics or solving problems.

If your child is taught by more than one teacher, the topics may be taught in a different order throughout the year.

Year 7

Term	Topic		Examples of Content
Autumn	Algebra Geometry Number Statistics	Sequences Transformations 2D & 3D shape Angles Arithmetic Data	generating terms finding and using formulae translations symmetry tessellations perimeter area volume angle properties and facts number skills: integers, fractions, decimals, percentages types of data and averages
Spring	Algebra Geometry Number Statistics	Expressions and formulae Types of number Equations Shapes Measure Probability	using symbols in expressions and formulae substitution factors multiples and primes solving equations properties of 2D shapes and Euler's theorem units of measure: approximation and methods of calculation probability scale and application to problems
Summer	Algebra Geometry Number Statistics	Equations Graphs and the co-ordinate grid 2D and 3D shapes Constructions Arithmetic and number skills Ratio and proportion Data	equations, expressions, formulae and sequences co-ordinates and straight lines real-life graphs plans and elevations scale drawing and nets constructing shapes and bisectors working with fractions, decimals and percentages ratio and proportion problems graphs and charts interpreting data

Year 8

Term	Topic		Examples of Content
Autumn	Algebra Geometry Number Statistics	Expressions & formulae Equations Shape Arithmetic Types of number Probability	terms: manipulating expressions and formulae substitution solving equations plotting linear functions perimeter, area, units of measure calculations working with fractions, decimals and percentages multiples, factors, primes and integers use of vocabulary probability scale application to problems
Spring	Algebra Geometry Number	Sequences Transformations Angles Circles 3D shapes Operations	sequences: powers and roots translations, rotations, reflections and enlargement angle facts properties of polygons perimeter and area of circles surface area volume nets solving problems with all four operations order of operations
Summer	Algebra Number Geometry Statistics	Expressions, equations and formulae Ratio and proportion Skills Construction Data Averages	manipulating expressions solving, forming and using equations and formulae ratio and proportion percentages and application to problems application of number skills constructing shapes and bisectors bearings loci collecting and using data data representation different averages spread of data

Year 9

Term	Topic		Examples of Content
Autumn	Algebra Geometry Number Statistics	Functions and sequences Equations and inequalities Angles Pythagoras' theorem Arithmetic Ratio and proportion Data Averages	rules, graphs and inverses solving equations and reading inequalities angle facts properties of polygons exploring right angled triangles working with fractions, decimals and percentages rounding and significant figures standard form surds and indices ratio and proportion problems comparing and analysing data sets mode, median, mean and range
Spring	Algebra Number Geometry Statistics	Equations and functions Expressions and formulae Types of number Transformations 2D and 3D shapes Measures Probability	graphing linear and non-linear functions indices manipulating formulae multiples, factors, primes similar shapes reflection, rotation, translation and enlargement properties of shapes perimeter area and volume nets converting metric and imperial vocabulary experimental probability probability diagrams
Summer	Geometry Number	3D shapes Trigonometry Measurement Proportional reasoning Arithmetic	planes and elevations volume and surface area working with right angled triangles and trigonometric ratios constructing shapes scale drawing loci ratio and proportion problems percentages approximating use of calculator

GCSE Mathematics

Why study mathematics?

It has been proven that studying mathematics helps to increase your chances of future employment, and gain a highly valued and well paid job. A good knowledge of mathematics will help you to understand current issues and develop transferrable skills needed throughout life. Mathematics is also an essential skill in daily life as it is required to manage personal finances and assist in problem solving.

What areas would you study?

The course is split into four key areas: number, algebra, geometry and statistics. The course assesses the functional elements of mathematics including problem-solving, reasoning and applying mathematics in real-life contexts.

How do you learn?

The mathematics course builds on the key concepts learnt in Years 7, 8 and 9. The lessons will continue to follow a similar format to Key Stage 3, i.e. you will study specific topics using a range of materials and resources. You will develop individual and group study skills and have access to excellent ICT facilities and online study aids.

How are you assessed?

100% examination. There are three terminal papers (two calculator based and one non-calculator). There are no coursework or controlled assessment elements.

Where will this take me post-16?

GCSE mathematics is an essential entry requirement for many post-16 courses. It prepares you for A-level mathematics and science courses, as well as other subjects which involve using statistics and numeracy e.g. business studies, economics, PE, science and geography. Mathematics can also be studied at university to degree level, either as a stand-alone subject or as part of a course such as electronics, engineering or computer science. Most jobs require a basic level of mathematical competency which you can gain through studying mathematics.

AS-Level Core Mathematics

Examination Board: AQA

Introduction and Structure

Course summary

This is a new one year qualification aimed at students who have achieved a Grade 4 or above at GCSE. Students are expected to study three A-levels alongside core maths.

Core mathematics has been designed to maintain and develop real-life mathematical skills. The course will include a financial mathematics element and can help with other A-level subjects, in particular with science, geography, business studies, economics and psychology. Core maths involves solving meaningful problems to increase your confidence in using mathematics. This will enable you to be better equipped for the mathematical demands of your other courses, higher education and employment.

What areas would you study?

As well as building on prior knowledge the core mathematics specification covers new mathematical areas including:

maths for personal finance
estimation
critical analysis of given data and models
critical path analysis
expectation
cost benefit analysis

How are you assessed?

At the end of the year you will sit two papers, both 90 minutes, calculator allowed.

Entrance Requirements: Core Mathematics

Minimum requirement: 6 GCSEs Grades 9-4 (or equivalent), including Grade 4 or above in English and maths

A-Level Mathematics

Examination Board: AQA

Introduction and Structure

Course summary

Mathematics and further mathematics are versatile qualifications covering the up-to-date application and theory of a range of mathematical disciplines.

What areas would you study?

pure mathematics: methods and techniques which underpin the study of all other areas of mathematics, such as, proof, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and vectors.
statistics: statistical sampling, data presentation and probability leading to the study of statistical distributions.
mechanics: the study of the physical world, modelling the motion of objects and the forces acting on them.

Entrance Requirements: Mathematics

Minimum requirement: 6 GCSEs Grades 9-4 (or equivalent), including Grade 6 or above in maths and Grade 4 or above in English

A-Level Further Mathematics

Examination Board: AQA

Course summary

What areas would you study?

pure mathematics content, making up at least 50% of the qualification

The remainder of the content is made up of options which include:

additional pure mathematics
additional mechanics
discrete mathematics

Entrance Requirements: Further Mathematics

Minimum requirement: 6 GCSEs Grades 9-4 (or equivalent), including Grade 7 or above in maths and Grade 4 or above in English

How do you learn?

The mathematics courses build on the key concepts learnt in Key Stage 4. There are nine lessons for each every fortnight. Homework will be set regularly and there is an expectation that you will spend time undertaking independent study to ensure you are following the course content.

How are you assessed?

100% examination. There are three terminal papers. There are no coursework or controlled assessment elements.

Careers and Progression

Mathematics A-level is well-respected by employers, providing students with strong logical and analytical skills. For most science, technology, engineering and mathematics degree courses, A-level mathematics is a requirement and A-level further mathematics is highly desirable. The skills learnt are of great benefit in other subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, computing, geography, psychology, economics and business studies.

There are many applications of mathematics in technology from games design and aircraft modelling through to forensics and DNA sequencing. Financial systems and online purchasing systems are underpinned by mathematics, relying heavily on online security and encryption. A good understanding of algebra, graphs, logarithms and probability are beneficial for the study of chemistry, biology and geography. Psychologists use statistics to analyse the relationships between variables and predict behaviours.

The overriding principle of good assessment is that it should be clearly tied to its intended purpose. There are three main forms of assessment: in-school formative assessment, used by teachers to evaluate students’ knowledge and understanding on a day-to-day basis and to tailor teaching accordingly; in-school summative assessment which enables us to evaluate how much a student has learned at the end of a teaching period; and nationally standardised summative assessment which is used by the government to hold schools to account.

In the maths department we use all three broad overarching forms of assessment.

Day-to-day in-school formative assessment

question and answer during class
marking of pupils’ work
observational assessment
regular short re-cap quizzes
scanning work for pupil attainment and development

In-school summative assessment

short end of topic and/or unit tests
end of year exams
mock exams in Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13

Nationally standardised summative assessment

GCSE exams at the end of Year 11
GCE A-levels at the end of Year 13

Over many years we have taken part in World Maths Day, where students compete against other students worldwide. This is a great activity and students enjoy participating.

We have taken a group of Year 8 students to participate in a countywide maths competition at the UEA.

We have had several trips with Year 10 students to the UEA MathsFest, where they attend lectures and are involved in mathematical activities.

In Years 12 and 13 we enter the UKMT maths team challenge and individual challenges. This can lead on to national competitions. We have also had trips to the UEA for maths lectures and activities.