Maths - KS3

Students strengthen and build on their Key Stage 2 mathematics:

• They learn new methods for calculating, particularly with decimals, and explore efficient mental methods, and learn how to use a scientific calculator.
• They learn how to work with negative numbers, using all 4 operations and explore negative in different contexts.
• They are introduced to many new algebraic techniques including simplifying and expanding expressions, and solving equations.
• They revisit their angles knowledge and solve problems involving angles in triangles and quadrilaterals, using a combination of angle facts.
• In the topic on decimals, rounding and estimating, we introduce the idea of significant figures and how estimating can help us to sense-check our calculations.
• They develop fluency with fractions, converting between mixed and improper, and using all 4 operations with fractions.
• They learn and use new formulae for area and perimeter of 2D shapes, including parallelograms, trapezia and compound shapes.

Students develop their maths skills across Number, Algebra, Ratio, Geometry, Data and Probability:

• In powers, roots and primes students explore how prime factors are the building blocks of every number, and we introduce index laws for the first time.
• The percentages topic introduces calculator and non-calculator techniques
• Students develop their algebra further in the topic of inequalities and formulae, including learning how to rearrange formulae.
• Students use coordinate geometry to plot straight lines and consider the relationship between linear graphs and linear (arithmetic) sequences.
• In ratio and proportion we use multiplicative reasoning and relationships to scale and share quantities, including lots of real-life applications.
• The students learn how to calculate and compare averages of a data set and to interpret those statistics in different contexts.
• They build on their statistics knowledge with pie charts, bar charts, pictograms and scatter graphs as different methods of representing data.
• The students learn Pythagoras’ Theorem for the first time and use it to find missing lengths in right-angled triangles.
• A very short topic introducing the Product of Rule of Counting, which is then used in the larger Probability topic as students explore different ways of calculating theoretical probability, and different ways to represent the sample space.
• Finally in Year 8, students use rulers, compasses and protractors to produce accurate mathematical drawings called Constructions.

In Year 9, students complete their Key Stage 3 curriculum and prepare for GCSE:

• They learn advanced Algebraic techniques, including working with quadratics and simultaneous equations.
• In the angles topic, students learn about the properties of angles in parallel lines, and they learn the properties of bearings.
• The further averages topic explores calculating summary statistics from grouped data.
• They work with many geometric formulae for circles and 3D shapes in the Length, Area and Volume topic.
• They build on their Year 8 knowledge of powers and learn Advanced Index Laws, as well as how to write and calculate with numbers in Standard Index Form.
• We introduce right-angled trigonometry for the first time and students use it to find missing sides and angles, and apply their skills to a variety of geometry problems.
• The students revisit straight line graphs and learn more about the properties of the equation of a straight line.
• The students learn how to transform 2D shapes on a coordinate grid, and how to describe transformations, including using the language and properties of similarity and congruence.