Mathematics in Years 7, 8 and 9.

WHAT IS MATHEMATICS?

Mathematics is the study of patterns abstracted from the world around us. It involves a way of thinking and a truly global language.

Our aim is for your child to develop a powerful set of tools that can be used to reason, problem solve and think in abstract ways.

In mathematics at Key Stage 3 there are four attainment targets :
· Using and applying mathematics
· Number and algebra
· Shape, space and measures
· Handling data

Your child will be given opportunities to study each of these areas and assistance in making connections between each one.

What will your child study?

Your child will take increasing responsibility for planning and executing their own work.

· Using and applying mathematics
Your child will develop problem solving, communication and reasoning skills by completing investigations on open ended tasks.

· Number and algebra
This involves extending your child's calculating skills to fractions, percentages and decimals, and beginning to understand the importance of proportional reasoning. They will start to use algebraic techniques and symbols with confidence. Simple equations will be generated and solved using algebraic and graphical skills.

· Shape, space and measures
Your child will start to use definitions and reasoning to understand geometrical shapes. They will encounter algebraic and geometric proofs and begin to understand reasoned arguments.

· Handling data
Practical activities are used to study handling data and they will be introduced to a quantitative approach to probability.

Although pupils enter from a range of schools and backgrounds, we set for mathematics in Year 7, using prior information. The sets are flexible and movement between the upper and lower groups is possible at any stage in the year. Lower sets are kept smaller than the upper sets.

How will your child be assessed?

· Your child's classwork and homework will be regularly assessed
· Half term tests are set on the work covered in that period
· Exams based on nationally set examinations are used in our summer exams, although they are marked internally

The work is differentiated through:
· Setting by ability
· Differentiated resources for each set
· Differentiated exercises where some pupils will be moved on to the extension questions
· Range of activities such as working in pairs, group work and investigations
· High expectations to ensure all pupils feel they can contribute and are suitably challenged

Homework is used to support the work done in class. Your child may be asked to:
· Answer questions from the textbook or a worksheet
· Complete an investigation or activity
· Do research on an agreed topic
· Practise mental arithmetic
· Revise for a test

What activities will your child take part in?

If your child is in the upper set, they may be entered for the UK Junior Maths Challenge held in the Spring Term each year. This is an opportunity for the gifted and talented students in mathematics to apply their knowledge and skills to more complex problems.