Mathematics at KS3

Year 7

Focus:

Students develop the confidence needed to transfer skills in other subjects; develop reasoning and a mathematical understanding that will allow them to access more challenging work; apply mathematics in contexts such as money. Students can look at diagrams and be able to analyse them to better understand why decisions are being made. Having a greater understanding of shapes and sizes allows students to select appropriate tools for everyday life such as cooking.

Key topics:

• Forming and solving linear equations
• Operations with decimals
• Draw and analyse diagrams
• Recognise properties of shapes and units of measure.

Year 8

Focus:

Students develop the confidence needed to transfer skills in other subjects; develop reasoning and a mathematical understanding that will allow them to access more challenging work; apply mathematics on context such as money. Students learn the skills required to quickly check answer to see if they seem correct and the likelihood of different events happening within the world we live.

Key topics:

• Solving problems involving percentages.
• Recognising and continuing sequences.
• Estimation
• Probability.

Year 9

Focus:

Students develop the confidence needed to transfer skills in other subjects; develop reasoning and a mathematical understanding that will allow them to access more challenging work; apply mathematics on context such as money. Students are able to draw and interpret statistical diagrams and work with algebraic expressions and equations.

Key topics:

• Scatter graphs
• Pie charts & Bar Charts
• Averages
• Solving equations
• Expanding and factorising expressions

GCSE in Mathematics

Why study this subject?

All students study GCSE Mathematics at Key Stage 4. It is a compulsory part of the common core curriculum and is an essential element of the English Baccalaureate.

What will I learn?

The Mathematics Syllabus builds on the skills learnt at Key Stage 3. Among other, students are taught to solve numerical, algebraic and spatial problems; look critically at collecting, processing, presenting and interpreting data and using a calculator efficiently. There is also an increased emphasis on unstructured problem-solving and on the quality of written communication.

How will I be assessed?

Your class work and homework will be regularly marked and feedback given will ensure you know how to improve your progress and attainment. Regular tests will allow you to practise exam-style questions and improve your understanding of the course.

What qualifications will I get at the end of the course?

You will receive a GCSE in Mathematics at a grade that reflects your work ethic and commitment.

What can this qualification lead to afterwards?

Obtaining good qualifications in Mathematics is essential for any further education or employment path. The skills learnt demonstrate an ability to think analytically, problem solve, apply logic through the application of knowledge and reasoning. Mathematics qualifications are extremely highly regarded and can ensure that you have greater freedom of choice in the future career paths.

Post-16 Progression

A Level Mathematics is a popular and challenging A-Level course open to all who achieve at least a grade B in GCSE Mathematics. For students wishing to extend themselves and gain a greater depth of understanding, Further Maths is offered as an additional A-Level. An A-Level in Mathematics strongly supports applications to a number of degree options at University, including Mathematics, Engineering, Medicine, Sciences, Finance and more.

Where can I find out more about this qualification?

You can speak with any member of the Maths department or look at https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/mathematics-2015.html