Mathematics - KS3

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On joining the school in year 7 all pupils are assessed as to their level of ability in maths. This will be based on information from the primary school and the ‘New intake numeracy quiz’ administered in the first few days of term. Pupils are then placed in the highest set that is appropriate for their level of ability and knowledge. The year group is split into two equal halves and each half is divided into three ability groups.

In year seven we try to ensure that everyone is working at an appropriate level and that they have mastery of all of the topics covered, there are regular tests and a mark in excess of 60% is required to demonstrate a good grasp of the topic.

Top set will be working at level 5 +, second set will be working at levels 4 and 5 and set 3 will be concentrating on numeracy for the most part.
Topics covered include;

Fractions,
Decimals,
Percentages,
Negative numbers,
Area, perimeter, volume
Probability
Handling data
Number patterns
Algebra
Shape and symmetry
Angles
Measures

Course outline

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
Autumn Term Number and Algebra	Summer Term Handling Data	Summer Term Handling Data
Spring Term Shape, Space & Measure	Summer Term Handling Data	Summer Term Handling Data
Summer Term Handling Data	Summer Term Handling Data	Summer Term Handling Data

Homework - frequency

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
As required and prior to tests	As required and prior to tests	As required and prior to tests

Likely forms that homework will take

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
Completion of classwork Revision exercises	Completion of classwork Revision exercises	Completion of classwork Revision exercises

Student grouping

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
Pupils are placed in one of four sets, setting is reviewed regularly	Pupils are placed in one of four sets, setting is reviewed regularly	Pupils are placed in one of four sets, setting is reviewed regularly

Assessment pattern

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
At the end of each element there is a test of the work covered and at the end of the4 year a final summative exam.	At the end of each element there is a test of the work covered and at the end of the4 year a final summative exam.	At the end of each element there is a test of the work covered and at the end of the4 year a final summative exam.

Marking and grading of work

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
Class and homework is graded using the following system. The accuracy of the work is graded E= Excellent, G + Good, S = Satisfactory P = Poor, U = Unacceptable. The effort shown is also graded from 1 to 5, where 1 is best. The National Curriculum level of the work may also be indicated.	Class and homework is graded using the following system. The accuracy of the work is graded E= Excellent, G + Good, S = Satisfactory P = Poor, U = Unacceptable. The effort shown is also graded from 1 to 5, where 1 is best. The National Curriculum level of the work may also be indicated.	Class and homework is graded using the following system. The accuracy of the work is graded E= Excellent, G + Good, S = Satisfactory P = Poor, U = Unacceptable. The effort shown is also graded from 1 to 5, where 1 is best. The National Curriculum level of the work may also be indicated.

How can you help your child?

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

A sound grasp of the times tables is an essential prerequisite for success in maths. Mastery of the basic operations, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing will allow your child to make progress and enjoy success in maths.

The ability to tell the time and do simple calculations relating to time along with an awareness of common metric units,ie, metres, centimetres, millimetres, litres, kilograms and tonnes will allow pupils to concentrate on the problems set rather than get bogged down in the relationships between the units.

A good grasp of times-tables, number bonds and work with fractions, decimals and percentages will allow your child to enjoy success in Maths.

We would like every child to be able to do multiplication in the traditional manner but also teach a method which all children seem capable of mastering which goes by a variety of names, including, Gelosia, Elizabethan multiplication.