Mathematics

As a Maths Department we aim for our students to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics. We want them to develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately. Through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems, we want our students to be able to reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships, develop arguments, justify proofs and be able to use mathematical language to be able to solve mathematical problems. We want our students to become confident to use mathematics in everyday situations in order that they can solve problems which are presented to them and to know the skill of being able to break down problems into a series of simpler steps, and to learn the skill of persevering when seeking solutions. Our aim is for our students to be able to develop a strong knowledge and skills base to be able to progress to the next key stage, as well as to develop key transferable skills which they can use in other subjects. We encourage our students to experience different extra-curricular opportunities and to discuss mathematics outside of the classroom situation, and to also have the opportunity to become peer mentors so that they can practise explaining mathematical concepts to younger students. 

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

The Mathematics Faculty has fully implemented the Year 7, 8 & 9 national curriculum, aiming to achieve the objectives for able students. There is a strong emphasis on the development of mental and oral Mathematics skills, with a direct interactive teaching method. Calculators are used where appropriate, and some topics involve the use of computers. Investigation work is incorporated into the course, and the more able are encouraged with homework.

Year 7, 8 & 9 students are entered for both the Junior and Intermediate UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) challenges with notable successes each year.

The Faculty also runs a thriving lunchtime Mathematics support club, and enters a Year 7, 8 & 9 team in the UKMT Team Challenge held at Manchester University.

Year 7 students are taught in forms, before setting is introduced in Year 8 (selection for Year 8 sets will be based on Year 7 examination results, AfL test results and teacher recommendations).

We aim to help students gain confidence in their abilities, to work on their own or to ask for help as appropriate, to persevere with problems, and above all, to enjoy their Mathematics.

Additionally, Computing is delivered within Year 7, 8 & 9 Mathematics. They receive 1 hour of Computing each week.

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Year 7:

Algebra

• Solve equations involving fractions
• Form and solve an equation
• Solve simple linear inequalities
• Factorise expressions into single brackets
• Generate the next term of a quadratic sequence
• Deduce the gradient and -intercept of a line from an equation
• Plot and interpret real-life graphs

Number

• Apply understanding of rounding to estimate answers to complex calculations
• Use a given solution to solve other calculations using the same digits
• Apply positive integer powers to fractions
• Use index laws for multiplication and division of positive integer powers using numbers or variables
• Complete calculations with mixed numbers involving the four operations
• Find the HCF and LCM of a pair of numbers using prime factors
• Find a percentage increase or decrease
• Use multipliers to calculate percentages and percentage increases or decreases

Shape Space and Measure

• Use bearings to specify direction
• Prove that the angles in a triangle sum to 180°
• Find interior and exterior angles in polygons
• Recognise similar shapes and calculate the scale factor from the ratio of two equivalent fractions
• Calculate the area and circumference of a circle
• Use Pythagoras’ Theorem to calculate missing lengths in right angled triangles
• Construct perpendicular and angle bisectors
• Plot an enlargement from a centre of enlargement using a fraction scale factor
• Fully describe transformations on a coordinate axe

Data Handling

• Find averages from a frequency table
• Understand and calculate relative frequency and expected frequency from experimental probability

Computing

• Understand how to stay safe online and to be aware of the laws regarding copyright
• Understand the components needed to create a network and learn how the internet works
• Learn about the history of computers
• Gain a basic understanding of the Python Computer language and independently create working programs
• Develop an understanding of the Micro:bit and create programs in the different languages the Micro:bit uses
• Create mobile phone applications using the App Inventor program

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Year 9

Algebra

• Solve linear simultaneous equations by eliminating a variable
• Expand double brackets
• Solve linear inequalities and display the result on number lines
• Derive an expression for the nth term of a quadratic sequence

Number

• Understand the definition of a reciprocal and use index notation for negative powers
• Use index laws for multiplication and division of positive and negative integer powers
• Convert numbers to and from standard form
• Calculate successive percentage changes and compound interest/decay
• Use reverse percentages to calculate original amounts
• Round numbers to a given number of significant figures
• Use a calculator effectively to solve complex calculations

Shape Space and Measure

• Use trigonometry to find missing sides of right-angled triangles
• Apply constructions to solve loci problems
• Construct 30, 60, 45 and 90 degree angles
• Write measurements to their upper and lower bounds
• Carry out combined transformations
• Identify congruent triangles using the conditions SSS, SAS, ASA and RHS

Data Handling

• Calculate an estimate of the mean from grouped data
• Use the AND/OR rules for probability
• Use Tree Diagrams to calculate probabilities
• Construct and interpret Cumulative Frequency Graphs

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