Getting Ready For Year 7

Mathematics is one of the most important subjects you will study. It develops logical thinking, problem-solving skills, resilience and creativity. At our school, you will be challenged to think deeply, explain your reasoning clearly and tackle unfamiliar problems with confidence.

The students who make the strongest start in Year 7 are not always those who can calculate the fastest. They are the students who are curious, organised, willing to learn from mistakes and prepared to persevere when faced with a challenge.

This guide will help you keep your mathematical skills sharp over the summer and prepare you for the exciting journey ahead.

Scroll down to see mathematical habits for success, summer challenge, equipment needed and essential skills and key skills

Mathematical Habits for Success

At secondary school, we expect students to:

Show Working Clearly

Mathematics is about reasoning, not just answers.

Always show your method.

Learn From Mistakes

Every mistake is an opportunity to improve.

Persevere

Some problems will not be solved immediately.

Keep trying different approaches.

Check Your Answers

Ask yourself:

Does my answer make sense?
Have I answered the question?
Can I solve it another way?

Summer Challenge

Year 7 Maths Summer Challenge

Can you complete these challenges before September?

□ Learn all times tables to 12 × 12

□ Learn the first 15 digits of π

□ Read a book about mathematics

For students who love mathematics:

Murderous Maths series by Kjartan Poskitt
The Number Devil by Hans Magnus Enzensberger
How Long is a Piece of String? by Rob Eastaway and Jeremy Wyndham
Alex's Adventures in Numberland by Alex Bellos

□ Try the weekly Problem of the Week from the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Problem of the Week LINK HERE

□ Practise mental arithmetic for 10 minutes each day

□ Learn how mathematics is used in science, engineering, technology and finance

□ Explain a mathematical idea to a family member

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Calculator casio fx-83GT CW or Calculator casio fx-83GT CW+

Pen

Pencil

15cm ruler

Sharpener

Rubber

Compass

Protractor

Note we sell all of these through our schools parent pay system and you can buy them from the school in September

Essential Skills to Practice

TIMES TABLES

Know all multiplication and division facts up to 12 × 12 instantly.

Challenge: Can you answer any times table question within 3 seconds?

Negative Numbers

Be able to:

Order positive and negative numbers
Compare negative numbers
Add and subtract negative numbers
Multiply and divide negative numbers
Use negative numbers in contexts such as temperature and money

Challenge:

Can you explain why a negative multiplied by a negative gives a positive answer?

Fractions

Be able to:

Add and subtract fractions with different denominators
Add and subtract mixed numbers
Multiply and divide decimals
Multiply and divide mixed numbers
Find fractions of quantities

Decimals and Percentages

Be able to:

Converting between fractions, decimals and percentages
Finding percentages of amounts
Ordering decimals

Examples:

Convert 0.75 into a fraction and percentage
Find 15% of £80
Order 0.45, 0.405 and 0.54

Multiplication and Division

Ensure you are secure with:

Long multiplication
Long division
Mental arithmetic strategies

Challenge:
Can you calculate 48 × 25 mentally?

Useful Websites

BBC Bitesize KS3 Maths

Clear explanations, videos, quizzes and interactive activities covering all the key topics you will study in Year 7 and beyond.

Corbettmaths

Excellent videos, worksheets and practice questions to help you strengthen your mathematical understanding and develop confidence.

Maths Made Easy – KS3 Maths Revision

A wide range of revision notes, worked examples and practice questions covering the Key Stage 3 curriculum.

NRICH

Mathematical investigations, puzzles and problem-solving activities designed to stretch and challenge curious mathematicians.

UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Problem of the Week

Weekly mathematical challenges that encourage logical thinking, resilience and creativity. Perfect for students who enjoy tackling unfamiliar problems.

Page updated

Report abuse