The curricula in Years 7 and 8 consists of 20 units of work in total. All students, wherever possible, follow the same curriculum. However, for some students our developmental objectives will allow time for securing key sills, whereas extension objectives allow for exploration in more depth. The curriculum at this stage is designed to embed and extend number skills as well as exploring the essential algebraic skills needed for success at GCSE. The units will build upon previous material taught, so that students have a greater exposure to the topics and in a different format, for example ratio is further explored through currency conversion and scale.

The curriculum has also been designed with other subjects in mind. For example, standard form is taught within number systems as this supports the learning in Science, and measures are visited early in Year 7 to support learning in Design Technology. To support students in their application of their mathematical skills, we have introduced “Wordy Wednesdays” in both years. These booklets contain ‘wordy’ problems designed to help students to see where their maths skills might be applied in a ‘real world’ context and develop their problem-solving technique. 

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We aim to enter all students for GCSE mathematics. We follow an approximately three-year GCSE course, starting during Year 9, which allows us to explore the GCSE course in depth and use the skills acquired in Year 7 and Year 8 to access more demanding mathematics. Our aim is to create confident, numerate students who are well equipped mathematically to continue their life beyond school.

GCSE maths is tiered and so students either follow the foundation tier scheme of work or the higher tier scheme of work. All students, however, cover the same five broad areas: number, algebra, ratio and proportion, geometry and statistics, but at different rates and at different depths, dependent upon their tier of entry.

As well as learning new concepts, we continue to support students in applying their mathematical knowledge through the use of our Wordy Wednesday booklets as mentioned above. During Year 11, we introduce past paper practice one a fortnight, allowing pupils to gain exposure to GCSE papers, including looking at question style and language use. In addition, GCSE mathematics provides students with essential skills for other key subjects such as Science, Geography, Computer Science and Food & Nutrition, as well as providing students with the tools they need to flourish beyond school.

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Year 9, 10 and 11 – Foundation Maths

Year 9, 10 and 11 – Higher Maths

Extending number skills Developing algebra Sequences FDP Ratio and proportion Angles and polygons 2D and 3D forms Linear graphs Quadratics and beyond Vectors Transformations Triangles Similarity and congruency Probability Data and averages Compound measures Simultaneous equations Constructions, loci and bearings

Developing algebra Roots, reciprocals and rationalising Sequences FDP Ratio and proportion Angles and polygons Triangles 2D and 3D forms Accuracy and bounds Linear graphs Quadratics and beyond Extending algebra Iterations Transformations Further trigonometry Similarity and congruency Probability Data and averages Compound measures Constructions, loci and bearings Circles Vectors Velocity-time graphs

Exam board: (GCSE Edexcel 1MA1) Foundation Tier

Externally assessed examinations covering any part of the specification Paper 1 Non-Calculator Paper 2 Calculator Paper 3 Calculator Length of each paper 1hr 30 mins Each contributing 33.33% of the final grade

Exam board: (GCSE OCR J560) Higher Tier

Externally assessed examinations covering any part of the specification Paper 4 Calculator allowed Paper 5 Non-Calculator Paper 6 Calculator allowed Length of each paper 1hr 30 mins Each contributing 33.33% of the final grade

Find out more about the Edexcel Foundation Tier qualification.

Find out more about the OCR Higher Tier qualification.

Finally, there is the option for some students to extend their mathematical skills further and study for the AQA level 2 certificate in further maths. This qualification can be seen as a bridge between GCSE and A-Level mathematics, which will extend the depth and breadth of algebra and geometry, as well as introducing new concepts such as calculus and matrices. The further maths qualification will provide learners with the opportunity to stretch and challenge themselves, develop their higher order thinking and rigorous mathematical problem-solving skills.

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Number Algebra Co-ordinate geometry Calculus Matrix transformations Geometry

Exam board: AQA Level 2 Certificate

Externally assessed examinations covering any part of the specification Paper 1 Non-Calculator Paper 2 Calculator Length of each paper 1hr 45 mins Each contributing 50% of the final grade