Year 7

Students will develop their mental and problem-solving skills. This will be done whilst studying the 5 main strands of maths – number, ratio and proportion, algebra, shape and measure and data handling.  All 5 areas will be applied to real life situations to develop and enhance their ability to be able to apply the skills learnt. 

Students will strengthen, deepen and extend their Mathematical knowledge developed during KS2 beginning with basic algebra such as sequences, notation and equations. This will enable pupils to transfer their thinking from just numerical to algebraic too. 

A significant proportion of the year is spent on number to ensure pupils can use efficient and effective methods to fluently perform calculations. These key number topics such as calculating with fractions will be revisited again during starter activities in later years to ensure pupils retain these key skills. 

The summer term will be spent studying geometry, data handling and proof to ensure pupils have had sufficient exposure to basic rules and principles such as the sum of angles around a point or in a polygon. This will provide the building blocks for future learning. 

Year 8

Students will develop their mental and problem-solving skills. This will be done whilst studying the 5 main strands of Maths – number, ratio and proportion, algebra, shape and measure and data handling.  All 5 areas will be applied to real life situations to develop and enhance their ability to be able to apply the skills learnt.    

Students will strengthen, deepen and extend their Mathematical knowledge developed during Year 7 beginning with basic ratio and proportion such as simplifying ratios and sharing in a ratio. This will enable pupils to develop a broad skill set to solve more complex future as their learning develops.   

A significant proportion of the year is spent on algebra to ensure pupils can use efficient and effective methods to fluently perform routine operations. These key algebra topics such as expanding brackets will be revisited again during starter activities in later years to ensure pupils retain these key skills.  

The summer term will be spent studying geometry and data handling to ensure pupils have had sufficient exposure to basic rules and principles such as angles in parallel lines and polygons. This will provide the building blocks for future learning.    

Students will also have at least one lesson a fortnight on MathsWhizz where each student will practice each objective of the curriculum, prepared to target specific gaps in their knowledge and understanding

Year 9

Throughout Year 9, students deepen their understanding of key mathematical ideas and prepare for the more advanced topics they will meet at GCSE. The curriculum revisits important skills from earlier years while introducing new concepts that develop problem-solving, reasoning, and fluency. 

Across the year, students explore: 

Number and Algebra 

Students strengthen their algebraic skills by simplifying expressions, expanding and factorising brackets, and working confidently with formulas. They learn how to manipulate algebra in different forms and begin solving simultaneous equations. Work on standard form, ratio, proportion, and percentages helps students apply number skills to real-life and scientific contexts. 

Geometry and Measures 

Students extend their geometric knowledge through work on constructions, congruence, and similarity. They use accurate measuring tools and logical reasoning to compare and create shapes. Transformations—reflections, rotations, translations, and enlargements—are revisited and described using precise mathematical language. Later in the year, students study Pythagoras’ theorem and basic trigonometry, learning how to calculate distances, heights, and angles in right-angled triangles. 

Graphs and Functions 

Students continue their work with coordinate geometry, including straight line graphs and introduction to non-linear graphs such as quadratics and reciprocals. They learn to interpret graphs, recognise key features, and use them to solve problems. This builds a strong foundation for future work with functions and equations at GCSE. 

Probability and Data 

Students are introduced to sets and Venn diagrams, using them to organise information and calculate probabilities. They build on earlier work with experimental and theoretical probability, learning the language of likelihood and how to analyse combined events. 

Financial and Real-Life Maths 

The Maths & Money unit helps students apply mathematical thinking to everyday decisions. They explore budgeting, income, deductions, and different ways of saving or borrowing money. Real-life scenarios build confidence in using maths outside the classroom 

Problem-Solving and Reasoning 

Throughout Year 9, students are encouraged to explain their thinking, make connections between topics, and apply skills in unfamiliar contexts. This prepares them for the reasoning and problem-solving demands of the GCSE course. 

Year 10

In Years 10 & 11, the new mathematics GCSE will demand deeper and broader mathematical understanding. It will provide all students with greater coverage of key areas such as ratio, proportion and rates of change and requires students to apply their knowledge and reasoning to provide clear mathematical arguments. It will focus on ensuring that every student masters the fundamental mathematics that is required for further education and future careers. It will provide greater challenge for the most able students by thoroughly testing their understanding of the mathematical knowledge needed for higher level study and careers in mathematics, the sciences and computing. 

In Year 10 students will study advanced topics for the first time such as, quadratics,  vectors and simultaneous equations. This will build on work from previous years where skills such as solving equations will be used within these more complex topics. 

During the year, students who are expected to be entered for the Higher tier will begin to study more specific content such as circle theorems and the nth term for a quadratic sequence. Students will begin to sit mock GCSE papers to practice their recall skills, identify gaps in their knowledge and practice answering exam questions. 

Towards the end of the year, students who have been identified as benefiting from extra support will begin to attend period 6. 

Year 11

In Years 10 & 11, the new mathematics GCSE will demand deeper and broader mathematical understanding. It will provide all students with greater coverage of key areas such as ratio, proportion and rates of change and requires students to apply their knowledge and reasoning to provide clear mathematical arguments. It will focus on ensuring that every student masters the fundamental mathematics that is required for further education and future careers. It will provide greater challenge for the most able students by thoroughly testing their understanding of the mathematical knowledge needed for higher level study and careers in mathematics, the sciences and computing. 

If you would like any more information about our Maths curriculum, please contact Mrs C Erskine, Head of Maths, by emailing cerskine@colneprimet.co.uk, filling in the form on our contact us page or phoning the main office to arrange a call back.