Maths
Lower School Curriculum
The Ginn Abacus Scheme is used throughout Lower School with other textbooks being used to supplement when necessary. This follows a cycle of topics, which are reinforced and extended every half term. We feel it is very important that the correct foundation work is established. Children come from several different pre-prep schools and therefore some time in Year 3 is spent on place value, basic computation and consolidation of work taught in their previous school.
Emphasis is placed on:
- The practical handling of data and material.
- The layout and presentation of calculations.
- Understanding of the Four Operations and their application:
(addition, subtraction, multiplication and division). - The development of a range of skills that will achieve a grasp of the various concepts that are covered in Years 3 - 5.
- The ability to perform mental calculations and estimate a reasonable answer.
We expect each child to spend as much time as possible on learning and understanding number bonds 2-20 and the multiplication tables 1-10. Some topics may need much repetition and may be approached from various viewpoints in order to reinforce them. Practical activities and games are an important aspect of the Maths curriculum.
Each year group is arranged into four sets for all their Maths lessons in which teaching is focused to the needs of that group. Children may be moved between these groups depending on their progress.
During his/her time in the Lower School a child will cover the following:
- Place value to 10,000
- Four operations of number: addition, subtraction, division, multiplication
- Measure - mass, distance, time,
- Area, perimeter and volume
- Shape - two and three-dimensional figures
- Symmetry
- Graphs and data handling
- Simple fractions and decimals
- Probability and problem solving
- Money - including familiarity with the use of coins.
- Use of a calculator
- Using and applying mathematics
Lessons frequently include mental arithmetic as a warm up to the main topic. Group Work and discussion form an important part of the curriculum and children are encouraged to develop their predictive skills and to correct their own mistakes. Our aim is to stimulate interest, increase confidence in and stretch each child.
Standardised assessment tests are used to monitor progress throughout the Lower School.
Upper School Curriculum
Autumn Term
Number: Multiplying and Dividing.
Place Value: Value of Nought.
2D shapes: Names, Polygons, Properties.
Co-ordinates: Four Quadrants.
Ratio: Direct Proportions.
Angles: Types, Measuring.
Decimals: Adding & Subtracting.
Accurate drawing: Use of instruments.
Number Patterns/Operations.
3D Objects: Names, Drawing, Properties.
Time: Difference, 24 hour clock.
Sequences: Prime Factors, General Statements.
Units: Conversion, Mass, Length, Capacity.
Open-ended Investigation
Spring Term
Rounding: Estimation
Negative numbers: Numberline.
Fractions: Equivalent, Common factor.
Area/Perimeter: Formulae.
Volume: Formulae.
Number machines: Multiples, Factors.
Algebra: Formulae.
Probability: Experimental.
Percentages: Fraction Conversion, Percentage of an Amount.
Symmetry: Line, Plane, Rotational.
Handling data: Collecting, Displaying, Interpret.
Averages: Range, Mode.
Summer Term
Calculator use: Basic Operations.
Simple equations.
Constructions: Rule, Compasses, Protractor.
Compass bearings: 3 figure, 8 point compass.
Revision: Topics as necessary.
Past papers KS2.
Exams KS2
Using & Applying
Mathematics Project
Autumn Term
Number: Multiplying and Dividing
Negative numbers: applying the 4 operations to negative numbers
Coordinates: in 4 quadrants
Statistics: The Mean, Other Types of Average, The Range, Misleading Statistics.
Number Patterns: Factors, Multiples & Primes, Patterns in Number, Rules & Robots
Fractions: Order fractions, find equivalent fractions including mixed numbers and improper fractions, applying the 4 operations
Angles: Introducing Angles, Calculating with Angles, Angles in Triangles
Statistics: Surveys, Pie-Charts, Tallying in Groups, Location, Scatter Diagrams and correlation
Triangles: Properties, angle facts
Spring Term
Decimals: Place Value in Whole Numbers, The Decimal Point, Working with Decimals, Problems with Decimals.
Percentages: conversion between decimals, fractions and percentages, percentage increase and decrease.
Algebra: Writing Simple Formulae, Two-Stage Formulae, How to Make Everyone Understand, Collecting Terms, Substitution in Formulas.
Probability: Probability Scales, How the Theory Works. Experiments & Games. When the Theory Doesn’t Work.
Shape & Construction: Names of Polygons, More about Polygons, Using Compasses, Tessellations & Congruence
Straight line graphs: Plotting a line given an equation
Measurements: conversion between metric and imperial
Shape: Area, Perimeter, Volume
Summer Term
Arithmetic & The Calculator: Rounding Up and Down, Mental Arithmetic, Estimation, Priority of Operations
Sequences: continue and describe sequences, find the general rule for a linear sequence
Ratio and Proportion: Dividing a quantity by a given ratio, direct proportion
Open-ended Investigation Using & Applying Mathematics Projects
Autumn Term
Number: Revision of the four operations
Fractions: Applying the 4 operations
Factors: Finding highest common Factor and Lowest Common Multiple
Decimals: Rounding, applying the four operations
Order of operations: including calculator work
Percentages: Increase/decrease, conversion between fractions, decimals, percentages
Angles: Parallel lines, Polygons
Negative Numbers: Rules for Directed Numbers, Using Negative Numbers.
Ratio and Proportion: Dividing a quantity by a given ratio, direct proportion
Bearings: Map scales, scale drawings
Statistics: Averages and Ranges, Grouping Data, Frequency Polygons
Algebra: substitution, factorising expressions, using indices laws to simplify expressions.
Spring Term
Straight Lines: Lines of the Grid, Patterns of Lines, Finding the Equation.
Transformations: Reflections, Movement – transformations, Rotation, Enlargement.
Algebra: solving equations, Trial and Improvement
Constructions: Accurate constructions using compasses
2D shape: properties of 2D shapes
Sequences: Finding a general term
Statistics: Diagrams & Charts, Pie-charts, Designing a Questionnaire.
Probability: Sample space diagrams, experimental and theoretical probability
Area, Perimeter, Volume: including nets and surface area
Circles: Finding the area and circumference
Summer Term
Speed/Distance/Time
Conversion graphs: interpreting and drawing
More or Less: Trial & Improvement, Inequalities, Solving Simple Linear Inequalities.
The Crossing Point: Intersecting Lines, Solving Problems, Using Algebra
Open-ended Investigation Using & Applying Mathematics Projects
Aims of the Mathematics Department
- To set challenging targets with high expectations for all pupils.
- To offer a variety of approaches to teaching and learning to engage and motivate pupils and demand their active participation.
- To smooth the transition for pupils between Key Stages and ensure progression in teaching and learning throughout their time at Belmont.
- To explore enrichment opportunities outside the curriculum to enhance pupils’ enjoyment of mathematics.
Prep
- Year 6
- 1 x 30 minute prep per week
- Year 7
- 1 x 45 minute prep per week
- Year 8
- 1 x 45 minute prep per week
Upper School pupils have 4 periods of Maths per week (lessons are of fifty minute duration). In Years 6, 7 & 8 children are grouped into sets for maths according to their ability, previous performance and the recommendations of maths staff. These sets are reviewed regularly.
Resources
All pupils must bring the following to their lesson:
- Their textbook and exercise books
- Pencil
- Ruler (30cm ruler is preferable)
- Rubber
- Protractor
- Calculator
- Pair of compasses
Curriculum Enrichment for Gifted and Talented Pupils in Mathematics
Pupils are placed in sets according to their mathematical ability and work is differentiated accordingly. The most able pupils in Year 7 and 8 follow a syllabus to prepare them for Scholarship examinations. Using and applying maths projects and investigations are also incorporated into the curriculum (both in class and prep work) to develop thinking and problem-solving skills.
How we teach calculations in Maths - A Parent's Guide