Mathematics

Aim

To continue the development of skills from the groundwork set in Year 7
Introduce new topic areas and techniques required for students to access the Key Stage 3 curriculum
Encourage students to engage in problem-solving tasks to help them prepare for the GCSE course

Topics covered

Autumn term

Integers, factors and multiples
Four operations or approximation
Fractions or rates and speed
Decimals or percentages
Transformations and coordinates

Spring term

Algebraic expressions or percentages
Equations and inequalities
Coordinates and functions
Number patterns
Angles

Summer term

Perimeter and area
Surface area and volume
Statistical graphs

Teaching groups

The students are grouped into nine teaching groups. These groups are based on the Year 7 teaching groups which were reviewed on the basis of the end of Year 7 assessment. These teaching groups are continually reviewed throughout the year to ensure all students are placed to make the best progress.

Assessment

Class work is continually assessed by each class teacher and homework is set weekly using Sparx Maths
Written assessments take place prior to the School’s review points. Two of these assessments are more formal tests designed to give students early exposure to some of the challenges of GCSE papers. All the assessments are used to review the grouping of students and the final assessment of the year is used to inform the grouping of students for Year 9

How to support at home

Practising core mathematical skills such as multiplication tables and written methods with your child
Ensure that students complete and hand in their homework
Ensure that your child has access to specialised mathematical equipment which is needed at different points within the year. For example, a calculator, a protractor and a pair of compasses
Encourage your child to use Sparx Maths to complete online homework tasks or to reinforce new skills

For more information

Although the GCSE course does not start until Year 10, students will be preparing for Edexcel GCSE Maths 1MA1.

For further information on the Year 10 syllabus, click here.