Curriculum

Mathematics

| Education | Curriculum | Mathematics

Why study Mathematics?

Mathematics is the language of the universe and so helps pupils to understand the amazing and complex world around them. Beyond the study of numbers, shapes, and patterns, it also provides important tools for work in fields such as engineering, physics, architecture, medicine, and business. It nurtures the development of a logical and methodical mindset and helps instil focus and the ability to solve all manner of problems. Attainment in the subject is the key to opening new doors to further study and employment. A Mathematics GCSE is also an essential qualification to pursue further studies in many fields.

How will I study mathematics?

In this course, pupils will study topics such as number work, algebra, shapes, ratio, and data-handling in depth as well as investigate mathematically advanced concepts such as trigonometry, circle theorems, vectors, and proof. Pupils will be taught declarative knowledge components for each strand, practice the classical mathematical procedures, and have opportunities to extend this to conditional knowledge and lots of ‘what if’ and varying situations. Pupils will have the opportunity to continually develop communication and reasoning skills and learn problem solving strategies.

What will I study at key stage 3?

Year 7 focuses on finding and filling any gaps from KS2 and establishing a strong grasp of numerical methods with fractions, decimals and negatives. Introductions to KS3 algebra is early; we want pupils to be confident using algebra and understanding its many links with other topics. Basic Geometry is explored, along with data and probability; these skills will be developed further in Y8 and Y9 respectively.

We continue in Year 8 by building on the algebra introduced in Year 7. Geometry is a big focus, exploring angles and area/perimeter in depth, as well as Pythagoras. Coordinates are explored further and relationships between coordinates and graphs are explored. Students are given time to build on declarative knowledge across the many areas of mathematics.

Our Key Stage 3 continues into Year 9 and focuses on developing strong procedural knowledge on the parts of the curriculum covered so far. Confidence and accuracy in calculation and manipulation are emphasised as well as articulating reasons and linking different methods and ideas. Advanced ideas around ratio and proportion, inequalities and data handling are explored. Reinforcing and using mathematical concepts and notation help build a strong foundation for the higher-level maths to come.

What will I study at key stage 4?

Our Key Stage 4 focuses on investigating some of the most advanced parts of the curriculum. Higher level trigonometry, surds, quadratic equations, and data handling techniques are studied, and intentional time is given to explore concepts in detail. Students begin to articulate ideas mathematically and make links to previous learning clearly.

Throughout Key stage 4, there is an explicit focus on making and building connections between the different branches of mathematics to help solve high level problems. All topics covered are multi-layered and draw on a strong understanding of many areas of the curriculum. Students are required to communicate mathematically using established notation and ideas as they will in any further study of the subject. Students’ understanding and knowledge is deepened and there is also a clear focus on the use of the subject in the real world.

What will I study at key stage 5?

At Key Stage 5, pupils are offered the opportunity to study for an A Level in mathematics or further mathematics.

A level mathematics consist of the study of pure maths topics such geometry, trigonometry, calculus and applied maths particularly in statistics and mechanics. Students will be able to develop a deep and broad understanding of high-level mathematical concepts and classical methods.

The further mathematics course builds on the study from the mathematics A Level. New topics and concepts are introduced and knowledge is widened to include further techniques and topics that are in use in the world today.

Assessment at key stage 4

Edexcel GCSE MATHS PAPER 1: 1MA1/1F or 1MA1/1H Non-Calculator

Overview Focus
  • Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes)
  • 80 marks
  • 33.3 of GCSE
  • Number and Algebra
  • Ratio, proportion and rates of change.
  • Geometry and Measures
  • Probability and Statistics

Edexcel GCSE MATHS PAPER 2: 1MA1/2F or 1MA1/2H Calculator

Overview Focus
  • Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes)
  • 80 marks
  • 33.3 of GCSE
  • Number and Algebra
  • Ratio, proportion and rates of change.
  • Geometry and Measures
  • Probability and Statistics

Edexcel GCSE MATHS PAPER 3: 1MA1/3H Calculator

Overview Focus
  • Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes)
  • 80 marks
  • 33.3% of GCSE
  • Number and Algebra
  • Ratio, proportion and rates of change.
  • Geometry and Measures
  • Probability and Statistics

Assessment at key stage 5

Edexcel A Level Mathematics 9MA0 – PAPER 1 (9MA0/01)

Overview Focus
  • Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes)
  • 100 marks
  • 33.3% of GCSE
  • Topic 1 – Proof
  • Topic 2 – Algebra and functions
  • Topic 3 – Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
  • Topic 4 – Sequences and series
  • Topic 5 – Trigonometry
  • Topic 6 – Exponentials and logarithms
  • Topic 7 – Differentiation
  • Topic 8 – Integration
  • Topic 9 – Numerical methods

Edexcel A Level Mathematics 9MA0 – PAPER 2 (9MA0/02)

Overview Focus
  • Written exam: 2 hours
  • 100 marks
  • 33 1/3 % of A-level
  • Topic 1 – Proof
  • Topic 2 – Algebra and functions
  • Topic 3 – Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
  • Topic 4 – Sequences and series
  • Topic 5 – Trigonometry
  • Topic 6 – Exponentials and logarithms
  • Topic 7 – Differentiation
  • Topic 8 – Integration
  • Topic 9 – Numerical method
  • Topic 10 – Vectors

Edexcel A Level Mathematics 9MA0 – PAPER 3 (9MA0/03)

Overview Focus
  • Written exam: 2 hours
  • 100 marks
  • 33 1/3 % of A-level

Section A: Statistics

  • Topic 1 – Statistical sampling
  • Topic 2 – Data presentation and interpretation
  • Topic 3 – Probability
  • Topic 4 – Statistical distributions
  • Topic 5 – Statistical hypothesis testing

Section B: Mechanics

  • Topic 6 – Quantities and units in mechanics
  • Topic 7 – Kinematics
  • Topic 8 – Forces and Newton’s laws
  • Topic 9 – Moments

Edexcel A Level Further Mathematics 9FM0 – PAPER 1 Core Pure Mathematics 1 (9FM0/01)

Overview Focus
  • Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 75 marks
  • 25% of A-level

Paper 1 and Paper 2 may contain questions on any topics from the Pure Mathematics content.

Content covers: Proof, Complex numbers, Matrices, Further algebra and functions, Further calculus, Further vectors, Polar coordinates, Hyperbolic functions, Differential equations

Edexcel A Level Further Mathematics 9FM0 – PAPER 2 Core Pure Mathematics 2 (9FM0/02)

Overview Focus
  • Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 75 marks
  • 25% of A-level

Paper 1 and Paper 2 may contain questions on any topics from the Pure Mathematics content.

Content covers: Proof, Complex numbers, Matrices, Further algebra and functions, Further calculus, Further vectors, Polar coordinates, Hyperbolic functions, Differential equations

Edexcel A Level Further Mathematics 9FM0 – PAPER 3B Further Statistics 1 (9FM0/3B)

Overview Focus
  • Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 75 marks
  • 25% of A-level
  • Discrete probability distributions
  • Poisson & binomial distributions
  • Geometric and negative binomial distributions
  • Hypothesis Testing
  • Central Limit Theorem
  • Chi Squared Tests
  • Probability generating functions
  • Quality of tests

Edexcel A Level Further Mathematics 9FM0 – PAPER 3C Further Mechanics 1 (9FM0/3C)

Overview Focus
  • Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 75 marks
  • 25% of A-level
  • Momentum and impulse
  • Work, energy and power
  • Elastic strings and springs and elastic energy
  • Elastic collisions in one dimensions

 

Careers

A good GCSE grade in Mathematics will allow you to choose A Levels and a degree in a variety of fields including Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics. These include careers in accountancy, engineering, economics, teaching, and computing.

Most colleges will require at least a grade ‘5’ in GCSE Maths to be able to apply for A levels, and at least a grade ‘6’ or ‘7’ to be able to apply for A levels in Science and Mathematics.

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