Maths

In Year 7, students learn how to display data in several ways and analyse data with a special emphasis on averages. They do this so that, in Key Stage 4, they are able to compare data using appropriate graphs or charts and accurately recognise key differences in the data considering the averages. . They also explore mental and written methods for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division so that they can confidently apply any operation successfully without the use of technology (a calculator) as well as reflect and self correct in KS3, 4 and 5. Developing their sense of ‘number’ enables students to later (in Year 8) work with decimals, and readily identify factors, prime factors and multiples for the Lowest Common Multiple and Highest Common Factor. ‘LCM and HCF’. Students develop their calculations skills with both mental and written methods so that they can engage successfully when using formulae for area, surface area, volume, compound measures and multiplicative reasoning. When students master the arithmetic operations without the use of technology ( a calculator), they develop the skills needed for all non calculator assessment objectives in their GCSE assessment.

In Year 8, students learn to manipulate algebra; more specifically, expand and factorise expressions and solve equations. Such an abstract concept can only be explored and manipulated if all arithmetic operations are fully developed and mastered. Exploring Algebra in Year 8 helps set the foundation for Straight Line graphs, Scatter graphs Inequalities and Sequences which is learnt later in the Year as well Year 9 . This is pertinent as the coordinates for graphs are unknown and can change in accordance with the rule or ‘sequence’. In real life coordinates are also considered as variables and therefore always change. Students understand this concept through the aforementioned topics combined.

In Year 9 to Year 11, students explore statistical maths and geometric reasoning in great depth and develop algebraic skills. In Year 9, Pythagoras Theorem and Trigonometry is introduced and explored for the first time. Students learn to combine algebra and geometry and develop the application of mathematics through more contextualised questions. These topics develop calculator use and encourage students to switch between non calculator and calculator methods dependent on their ability to recognise various types of numbers. For example, square numbers or pythagorean triple numbers. These topics are taught in both the Higher and Foundation Tier and draw upon the topics of square numbers, angles, fractions, arithmetic operations, calculator skills and algebra substitution. Learning this topic, students can answer bearings, construction and coordinate geometry questions critically in Year 10 and 11. These topics also help students to combine both the abstract and concrete representations of algebraic ratios (Sin

In Year 10, students study Multiplicative Reasoning. Multiplicative reasoning is an approach to quantitative thinking and includes topics such as ratio, proportion, percentage increase and decrease, rates of change and similarity. This topic is significant in guiding students to develop ‘arguments’ about quantities or variables using the relationship between numbers and values as their justification. The work started in Year 8 is the foundation for recognising relationships between variables on a given graph. Students, during this topic, are encouraged to discuss their findings more so and orally explain how and why one quantity relates to another. These discussions and student talk create the foundation for ‘proof’ and reasoning questions in GCSE and A Level Mathematics Assessments. Investigating the relationship between a pair of variables is the foundation for any type of statistical analysis.

In Year 11, students learn Vectors. This topic is a variation of representing geometric principles algebraically, similar to Pythagoras and Trigonometry explored in Year 9. Vectors is first introduced within the topic Transformations (which is taught in Year 9) and then further developed as its own topic in Year 11. Students manipulate expressions, draw diagrams using vectors and ratios and prove relationships using the multiplicative reasoning skills. Vector Geometry is later developed in Key Stage 5. Vectors are important for developing students’ sense of spatial awareness, orienteering and similarity and congruence. These skills and concepts appear in other subjects such as Geography, Dance and PE.

In Year 12 and 13, students build upon GCSE content for both Maths and Additional Maths. Topics such as probability, straight line graphs, Pythagoras and trigonometry allow them to further explore topics such as Differentiation and Trigonometric identities. Being able to expand algebraic expression in Year 11 allows students to learn and be successful in Binomial expansion.

In Year 12, Core modules such as Further Algebra and Functions. This includes Binomial Expansion and Algebraic Division. They draw upon the skills learned from Long division calculations (studied in Key Stage 3) and Quadratic Expansion (studied in Key Stage 4).

Separate modules in Statistics and Mechanics are also developed in Key stage 5 and help facilitate students who have a particular interest and affiliation in STEM related subjects.