In Year 10, students begin to see the interconnected nature of mathematics as they apply the knowledge and skills developed in previous years to increasingly complex and sophisticated problems. Rather than simply practising routine procedures, students are encouraged to think carefully about which mathematical concepts and techniques are most appropriate in different contexts. Our aim is to develop confident, resilient problem solvers who are willing to explore different approaches, learn from mistakes and appreciate the reasoning and processes involved in reaching a solution.
Throughout the year, students will encounter an increasing number of GCSE-style examination questions, enabling them to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence required for success. There is a strong emphasis on exam technique, including avoiding common errors and misconceptions, presenting clear mathematical working, checking answers effectively, using a scientific calculator efficiently, interpreting command words accurately and tackling longer, multi-step worded problems.
It is important to note that students following Flight Path 2 are still working towards the highest GCSE grades and are at no disadvantage if they wish to study A Level Mathematics or A Level Further Mathematics. The only difference between Flight Path 1 and Flight Path 2 is that students in Flight Path 1 who are already working securely at Grade 8 or 9 by the Year 10 mock examinations will have the opportunity to study the AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics as an additional enrichment qualification.
Pen, pencil, ruler, rubber, protractor and compass.
Watch the 1-minute clip on MathsWatch.vle for the topic.
Do 2 standard questions and 2 harder questions.
If you get any answers wrong, watch the longer MathsWatch video and try again.
Number
Index Notation — 131
Negative Indices — 154
Fractional Indices — 188
Standard Form — 83
Surds
Introduction to Surds — 207a
Surd Expressions — 207b
Surds: Rationalising the Denominator — 207c
Accuracy & Bounds
Error Interval — Rounding — 155a
Introduction to Bounds — 132
Upper and Lower Bounds — 206
Equations & Inequalities
Solving Equations — 135a
Simultaneous Equations — 162
Inequalities on a Number Line — 138
Solving Inequalities — 139
Algebra — Expanding & Factorising
Expanding Single Brackets — 134a
Expanding Double Brackets — 134b
Difference of Two Squares — 158
Factorising Hard Quadratics — 192
Factorising and Solving Quadratics — 157
You have two weeks to revise all the topics covered since the start of Year 10. Follow this day-by-day plan, using the 3-step method above for each topic. Aim for 30–45 minutes per session.
Week 1
Day 1 — Index Notation (131) and Negative Indices (154)
Day 2 — Fractional Indices (188)
Day 3 — Standard Form (83)
Day 4 — Introduction to Surds (207a) and Surd Expressions (207b)
Day 5 — Surds: Rationalising the Denominator (207c)
Day 6 — Error Interval – Rounding (155a) and Introduction to Bounds (132)
Day 7 — Upper and Lower Bounds (206), plus a 10-minute recap of Days 1–6
Week 2
Day 8 — Solving Equations (135a)
Day 9 — Simultaneous Equations (162)
Day 10 — Inequalities on a Number Line (138) and Solving Inequalities (139)
Day 11 — Expanding Single Brackets (134a) and Expanding Double Brackets (134b)
Day 12 — Difference of Two Squares (158)
Day 13 — Factorising Hard Quadratics (192) and Factorising and Solving Quadratics (157)
Day 14 — Mixed review day: pick your 3 weakest topics from the list, redo the harder MathsWatch questions, then attempt a full non-calculator practice paper
Tips
Since this is the non-calculator paper, practise all questions by hand — no calculator, even for standard form or bounds.
Keep a running list of any question you get wrong twice, and revisit those on Day 14.
Surds and quadratic factorising tend to need the most practice at this level — don't rush Days 4–5 and Day 13 if you're not confident yet.