Curriculum Map - MathematicsYear 7
In Year 7, students begin their learning journey with a focus on number work including four operations and fractions, decimals and percentages as this underpins elements of their learning later in the year. Students are introduced to probability, algebra, geometry and measure, ratio and proportion and data handling. The scheme of learning for Year 7 is progressed in such a way that allows students to use prior learning to develop and enhance their understanding of new and more complex topics. For example, an introduction to solving equations precedes Pythagoras’ theorem so that students can manipulate the formula to solve more challenging questions.
Why?
The curriculum in Year 7 aims to introduce new topics and consolidate learning from Key Stage 2. It aims to develop students’ mathematical fluency through the focus on key words and mathematical terminology and the consistent use of methodology across topics. The curriculum aims to spark curiosity and interest in how Maths relates to the world around us and the application of topics in certain industries. Students develop skills that are applicable to the real world, for example relating to time and money. The curriculum begins to develop students thinking and reasoning in problem solving contexts.
Year 8
Through the spiral curriculum, Year 8 students are further developing their understanding of the topics studied in Year 7. Students are then able to build on this knowledge to apply their understanding to more challenging topics such as standard form, bounds, simultaneous equations, circle theorems and circle work, trigonometry, vectors, sampling and direct and inverse proportion. For example, in Year 8 students are introduced to the formula for solving proportion problems, whereas in Year 7 students explore the meaning and use of simple direct and inverse proportion without the formula.
Why?
The Year 8 curriculum aims to consolidate learning from Year 7 and enhance understanding of the inter curricular links between topics within Maths and the extra curricular links with other subjects such as Science. The use of the spiral curriculum and the introduction of topics that build on prior learning helps to improve students' reasoning, understanding and fluency in their learning. It aims to ascertain students’ use of methodology and develop the application of topics.
Year 9
In Year 9, students are further developing their understanding of the topics studied in Year 7 and Year 8 through building further complexity into topics they have already been exposed to. By this point, students are able to build on their knowledge to apply their understanding to more challenging topics such as surds, conditional probability, algebraic fractions, volume and surface area of 3D objects including spheres, cones and pyramids, further trigonometry, Pythagoras in 3D, quadratic sequences, box plots, and parallel and perpendicular lines on graphs. For example, in Year 8 students begin solving bearings problems using basic trigonometry, whereas in Year 9, students progress to solving bearings problems involving more complex trigonometry using the sine and cosine rules.
Why?
By Year 9, students have formed the framework of their Mathematical understanding in Year 7 and Year 8 and are able to use mathematical terminology and methodology fluently. The Year 9 curriculum aims to enhance students’ thinking and communication of their reasons in problem solving contexts. For example, students begin to argue and construct proofs in algebra. Students develop a deeper understanding of how to tackle unfamiliar problems through the application of their knowledge and to securely be able to solve real life problems.