KS3 Mathematics
Course Introduction
mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education, therefore, provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.
Student Objectives
Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time.
Develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, finding relationships and generalisations.
Develop an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
Solve problems by applying mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication.
Break down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevere in seeking solutions.
Apply your mathematical knowledge in science, geography, computing and other subjects.
Course Content
Year 7
Number: Place value, calculations, rounding, addition and subtraction, multiply and divide, add subtract multiply and divide fractions, mixed and improper fractions, negative numbers.
Statistics: Averages, mean median mode and range, collect, display and interpret data.
Algebra: Substitution, simplify and manipulate algebraic expression, solving linear equations, generate terms of a sequence, finding the nth term.
Geometry: measuring and drawing angles, angles on parallel lines, angles in a triangle and quadrilateral.
Year 8
Number: multiply and divide improper fractions and mixed numbers, fraction on an amount, percentage of an amount, ordering fractions decimals and percentages, solving problems involving percentage change.
Algebra: Substitution, simplify and manipulate algebraic expression, solving linear equations, laws of indices, solving inequalities, rearrange formulae to change the subject.
Geometry: convert between measures, calculate and solve problems involving an area of a circle, composite shapes and trapeziums, properties in 3D shapes.
Ratio, proportion and rates of change: Fractions of an amount, simplifying ratios, solving simple ratio problems.
Assessment
Students are set homework regularly to assess their level of understanding of each topic, written feedback and targets will be given for written homework. The students sit short assessments at the end of each unit of work, this work will be levelled. At the end of each year, students sit tests that cover the work completed throughout the year.
What it Leads to in KS4
When students enter key stage 4 they build on the learning from key stage 3 to further develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. They should also apply their mathematical knowledge wherever relevant in other subjects and in financial contexts.
At KS4 all students study GCSE Mathematics, students will be entered for the Higher or Foundation tier where the grades available are from 1 to 9.
