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The Maths department aims to guide pupils in their learning, inspire pupils through our passion for Maths and challenge them to succeed. We want to encourage the feeling they can do Maths and believe that all things are possible.

At St Bede’s we follow the national curriculum. The Mathematics curriculum is designed to ensure that each year we reinforce the learning from the previous years, including KS2, and build upon that foundation. This ensures that pupils are able to access and then succeed at the next level of challenge. We use a variety of techniques to engage pupils, taking into consideration different learning styles to develop their confidence in Maths.

Year 7

Maths is taught to all pupils in Year 7, with classes set according to ability. This allows teachers to differentiate the work accordingly. The Year 7 SOW intends to build upon knowledge acquired at KS2. We aim to develop mathematical fluency, reasoning and enable our pupils to be competent in solving problems.

BLOCK 1 – ALGEBRAIC THINKING
Exploring sequences, understanding algebraic notation and equality

  • Describing and continuing linear and non-linear sequences
  • Function machines
  • Using and interpreting algebraic notation
  • Substitution into expressions
  • Representing functions graphically
  • Forming and solving one-step equations
  • Understanding and identifying equivalent expressions
  • Collecting like terms

BLOCK 2 – PLACE VALUE AND PROPORTION
Looking at place value, ordering and fraction, decimal and percentage equivalence

  • Integer and decimal place value
  • Comparing and ordering numbers
  • Finding the range and median of a set of numbers
  • Rounding to powers of 10 and one significant figure
  • Standard index form
  • Converting between fractions, decimals and percentages
  • Equivalent fractions
  • Interpreting pie charts

BLOCK 3 – APPLICATION OF NUMBER
Using the four operations with numbers and solving problems

  • Using mental and formal methods for addition and subtraction of integers and decimals
  • Solve problems involving perimeter, money, frequency trees and tables
  • Solve problems involving bar charts and line graphs
  • Using mental and formal methods for multiplication and division
  • Calculating areas of simple shapes
  • Finding the HCF/LCM
  • Finding the mean of a set of numbers
  • Using the order of operations
  • Finding fractions and percentages of amounts

BLOCK 4 – DIRECTED NUMBER AND FRACTIONAL THINKING
Working with negative numbers and fractions

  • Ordering negative numbers and using in context
  • Four operations with negatives
  • Solving two-step equations
  • Converting mixed numbers
  • Adding and subtracting fractions

BLOCK 5 – LINES AND ANGLES
Constructions, measuring angles and geometric reasoning

  • Geometric conventions
  • Drawing, measuring and classifying angles
  • Constructing triangles and polygons
  • Drawing pie charts
  • Knowing and using angles facts

Year 8

Maths is taught to all pupils in Year 8, with classes set according to ability. This allows teachers to differentiate the work accordingly. The Year 8 SOW intends to recap and build upon skills learnt in Year 7, as well as introduce new topics, making connections across different areas of Maths. We aim to develop mathematical fluency, reasoning and enable our pupils to be competent in solving problems.

UNIT 1 – TYPES OF NUMBER
Exploring types of number

  • Recognise and use different types of number.
  • Find and use multiples and lowest common multiples (LCM).
  • Find and use factors and highest common factors (HCF).
  • Working with prime numbers.

UNIT 2 – DEVELOPING GEOMETRIC REASONING
Using angles in a variety of situations

  • Understand angle facts on straight lines, around a point, in triangles and quadrilaterals.
  • Understand and use the equality of vertically opposite angles.
  • Investigate angles in parallel lines.

UNIT 3 – PROBABILITY AND SETS
Working with probability and introducing set notation

  • Know and use the vocabulary of probability.
  • Use sample space diagrams to find probabilities.
  • Use two way tables to find probabilities.
  • Use Venn diagrams to find probabilities.
  • Understand and use set notation.

UNIT 4 – RATIO AND SCALE
Exploring ratio and using to solve problems

  • Understand and use ratio notation.
  • Express ratios in their simplest form.
  • Divide amounts in a given ratio.
  • Compare ratios and fractions.

UNIT 5 – MULTIPLICATIVE CHANGE
Working with direct proportion

  • Solve problems involving direct proportion.
  • Explore conversion graphs.
  • Convert between currencies.
  • Explore relationship between similar shapes.
  • Draw and interpret scale diagrams.

UNIT 6 – EXPRESSIONS AND BRACKETS
Working with algebraic expressions

  • Form algebraic expressions.
  • Substitute into algebraic expressions.
  • Simplify algebraic expressions.
  • Expand and simplify expressions with brackets.
  • Factorise into a single bracket.

UNIT 7 – MULTIPLYING AND DIVIDING FRACTIONS
Further work with fractions

  • Multiply integers and fractions.
  • Divide integers and fractions.
  • Understand and use the reciprocal.
  • Multiply and divide mixed numbers.

UNIT 8 – WORKING IN THE CARTESIAN PLANE
Working with coordinates

  • Work with coordinates in all four quadrants.
  • Find the midpoints of line segments.
  • Plot and recognise straight line graphs.
  • Explore and calculate gradients of lines.
  • Explore non-linear graphs.

UNIT 9 – INDICES
Exploring expressions involving powers

  • Simplify expressions involving indices
  • Using the Multiplication and Division Laws of Indices

UNIT 10 – REPRESENTING DATA
Working with different types of data

  • Draw and interpret scatter graphs.
  • Identify non-linear relationships.
  • Know and identify different types of data.
  • Working with frequency tables

UNIT 11 – EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES
Exploring and solving equations and inequalities

  • Form and solve equations with and without brackets.
  • Form and solve simple inequalities.
  • Know the difference between an expression, equation, formula and identity.

UNIT 12 – STANDARD INDEX FORM
Exploring and working with numbers in standard form

  • Converting between ordinary numbers and numbers on standard form.
  • Calculating with numbers in standard form.

UNIT 13 – LINE SYMMETRY
Reflecting shapes

  • Recognising line symmetry.
  • Reflecting shapes in horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines.

Year 9

Maths is taught to all pupils in Year 9, with classes set according to ability. This allows teachers to differentiate the work accordingly. The Year 9 SOW intends to build upon knowledge acquired in Year 7 and 8, as well as introduce new topics, making connections across different areas of Maths. We aim to develop mathematical fluency, reasoning and enable our pupils to be competent and resilient in solving problems.

UNIT 1 – PERCENTAGES
Using percentages in a variety of contexts

  • Calculating percentages of amounts and using in a range of problems
  • Calculating percentage change
  • Finding original amounts given the results of a percentage change

UNIT 2 – AREA AND PERIMETER
Calculating area and perimeter of different shapes

  • Perimeter of shapes and compound shapes
  • Finding area of shapes and compound shapes
  • Calculating area and circumference of circles

UNIT 3 – TRANSFORMATIONS
Manipulating shapes

  • Reflecting, translating, rotating and enlarging shapes
  • Describing the transformation that has taken place

UNIT 4 – AVERAGES
Working with measures of location

  • Calculating the averages
  • Comparing data using averages and the range
  • Calculating averages from a frequency table

UNIT 5 – PYTHAGORAS
Working with right angled triangles

EXTENSION : TRIGONOMETRY

  • Know and use Pythagoras’ Theorem
  • Apply to a variety of contexts
  • Use trigonometry to calculate missing sides

UNIT 6 – DATA REPRESENTATION
Using a range of graphs to present data

  • Drawing and interpreting statistical diagrams including dual bar charts, pie charts and line graphs
  • Represent grouped data using frequency diagrams and polygons

UNIT 7 – DECIMALS AND ESTIMATION
Using decimals to solve problems

  • Calculations with decimals
  • Rounding including significant figures and estimating real life problems
  • Error intervals and solving problems using bounds

UNIT 8 –  ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS
Forming and manipulating algebraic expressions

  • Simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions
  • Expand and factorise quadratics
  • Find the product of 3 brackets

UNIT 9 – TYPES OF NUMBER
Working with different types of numbers

  • Find and use HCF and LCM in problem situations
  • Calculate with negatives and use a calculator for negative numbers
  • Express numbers as products of primes

UNIT 10 – FRACTIONS
Calculating with fractions and mixed numbers

  • Calculate with fractions and mixed numbers and apply to problems, such as perimeter and substitution

UNIT 11 – INDICES AND STANDARD FORM
Calculations with powers and large numbers

  • Simplify expressions with indices, including zero, negative and fractional powers
  • Convert and perform calculations with numbers in standard form

UNIT 12 – ANGLES AND POLYGONS
Using angles in a variety of situations

  • Use angle facts including parallel lines in more complicated questions
  • Angles in polygons and use to solve problems
  • Bearings

Year 10

Maths is taught to all pupils in Year 10, with classes set according to ability. This allows teachers to differentiate the work accordingly. The Year 10 SOW intends to build upon knowledge acquired throughout KS3, as well as introduce new topics, making connections across different areas of Maths. We aim to develop mathematical fluency, reasoning and enable our pupils to be competent and resilient in solving problems.

UNIT 1 – INDICES AND STANDARD FORM

  • Simplify expressions with indices, including zero, negative and fractional powers.
  • Convert and perform calculations with numbers in standard form.

UNIT 2 – ANGLES AND POLYGONS

  • Use angle facts including parallel lines in more complicated questions.
  • Angles in polygons and use to solve problems.

UNIT 3 – SEQUENCES

  • Generating and finding nth terms of linear sequences.
  • Generating and finding nth terms of quadratic sequences.
  • Exploring non-linear sequences, including geometric

UNIT 4 – COLLECTING DATA AND SAMPLING

  • Different types of data and sampling techniques.
  • Using stratified sampling methods.
  • Using the capture-recapture method.
  • Two way tables and frequency trees.

UNIT 5 – AREA AND VOLUME

  • Calculating perimeter and area of different shapes.
  • Calculating area and circumference of circles and sectors.
  • Calculating surface area.
  • Calculating volume of 3D objects.

UNIT 6 – COMPOUND MEASURES

  • Understand, use and calculate measures of speed, density and pressure.
  • Using and constructing distance-time graphs.

UNIT 7 – AVERAGES AND RANGE

  • Calculating the averages form lists and tables.
  • Constructing and interpreting Stem and Leaf diagrams.

UNIT 8 –  CONSTRUCTIONS, LOCI AND BEARINGS

  • Compass and ruler constructions.
  • Understand and draw elevations of 3D objects.
  • Measure and solve problems using bearings.
  • Understand and identify regions satisfying loci.

UNIT 9 – LINEAR EQUATIONS

  • Forming and solving linear equations involving brackets and unknowns on both sides.
  • Solving linear equations involving fractional and negative coefficients.

UNIT 10 – PERCENTAGES

  • Calculating and using percentages in a range of problems and real-life situations.
  • Calculating reverse percentages.
  • Calculating compound interest and depreciation.

UNIT 11 – FORMULAE

  • Substitute into complex formulae.
  • Change the subject of a formulae.
  • Introduction to iterations.

UNIT 12 – COORDINATES AND GRAPHS

  • Drawing and recognising linear graphs.
  • Finding equations of lines given various information.
  • Drawing quadratic and cubic graphs.

UNIT 13 – REPRESENTING DATA 1

  • Representing and interpreting information presented in a variety of charts, including bar, dual bar and composite bar charts, pie charts, line graphs.
  • Constructing and interpreting a frequency polygon.
  • Working with scatters graphs and understanding correlation.

UNIT 14 – RATIO

  • Writing, simplifying and working with ratios.
  • Solving problems involving dividing into ratios.
  • Solving problems involving direct proportion.
  • Solving more complex ratio problems, involving other areas of Maths such as algebra.

UNIT 15 – TRANSFORMATIONS

  • Transforming shapes using reflection, translation, rotation and enlargement.
  • Enlarging using fractional and negative Scale Factors
  • Identifying invariant points.

UNIT 16 – SOLVING QUADRATICS

  • Solving quadratics by factorising, the quadratic formula and completing the square.
  • Working with quadratic graphs.
  • Iterations.

Year 11

Maths is taught to all pupils in Year 11, with classes set according to ability. This allows teachers to differentiate the work accordingly. The Year 11 SOW intends challenge pupils by introducing new topics, making connections across different areas of Maths and prepare pupils for the GCSE. We aim to develop mathematical fluency, reasoning and enable our pupils to be competent and resilient in solving problems.

UNIT 17 – PYTHAGORAS AND TRIGONOMETRY

  • Use Pythagoras’ Theorem in a variety of contexts.
  • Use trigonometry to calculate sides and angles.

UNIT 18 –INEQUALITIES

  • Understand and represent inequalities on number lines and on graphs.
  • Form and solve inequalities.
  • Quadratic inequalities.

UNIT 19 – SIMULTANEOUS EQUATIONS

  • Forming and solving linear simultaneous equations.
  • Solving quadratic simultaneous equations.

UNIT 20 – PROBABILITY AND VENN DIAGRAMS

  • Calculating and working with probability in a variety of situations.
  • Using tree diagrams to calculate probabilities of multiple events.
  • Using Venn diagrams and set notation.
  • Using the product rule.

UNIT 21 – VECTORS

  • Writing, representing and working with column vectors.
  • Finding vectors between points.
  • Using vectors for geometric proof.

UNIT 22 – REPRESENTING DATA 2

  • Calculating quartiles.
  • Drawing and interpreting diagrams including boxplots, cumulative frequency curves and histograms.

UNIT 23 – SIMILARITY AND CONGRUENCE

  • Proving congruence using formal arguments.
  • Working with similar shapes, including area and volume problems.

UNIT 24 – CIRCLE THEOREMS

  • Investigate circle theorems.
  • Calculate angles using the circle theorems.
  • Working with the equation of a circle.
  • Finding equations of tangents to a circle.

UNIT 25 – ALGEBRAIC FRACTIONS AND PROOF

  • Simplifying algebraic fractions.
  • Solving equations involving algebraic fractions.
  • Construct arguments to prove algebraically.

UNIT 26 – SURDS

  • Simplifying and manipulating surds.
  • Rationalising the denominator.

UNIT 27 – PROPORTION

  • Solve problems involving direct and inverse proportion.
  • Form equations involving the constant of proportionality and use to solve problems.

UNIT 28 – GRADIENTS AND AREAS UNDER CURVES

  • Calculate and understand the area under a curve.
  • Calculate the gradient of non-linear graphs at a given point, and understand what this represents.

UNIT 29 – FURTHER PYTHAGORAS AND TRIGONOMETRY

  • Using Pythagoras and trigonometry in 3D.
  • Using trigonometry in non-right angled triangles.
  • Calculating the area of a triangle using trigonometry

UNIT 34 – FURTHER GRAPHS AND FUNCTIONS

  • Exploring further graphs including reciprocal and exponential functions.
  • Understand and use function notation.
  • Find inverse and composite functions.
  • Transformations of functions.

Additional Information

  • GCSE Exam Board – Edexcel
  • We offer pupils the chance to take part in various competitions and challenges including;
  • Year 7 – UKMT Junior Challenge
  • Year 8 – UKMT Junior Challenge and Team Challenge
  • Years 9 – UKMT Intermediate Challenge and Team Challenge
  • Year 10 – UKMT Intermediate Challenge and Maths Feast
  • Pupils and parents can follow the Maths department on Instagram @stbedesblackburnmaths, or via the link on the school website

Maths Staff

  • Mrs S Ferguson
  • Mrs G Watson
  • Miss A Houghton
  • Miss D Lingard
  • Miss S Ashton
  • Mr G Mercer
  • Miss S Hussain
  • Miss R Wallis
  • Mrs A Hughes
  • Mr A Price
  • Mr P Mottram

The essence of Mathematics is not to make simple things complicated but to make complicated things simple.