Mathematics

Mathematics equips students with a powerful set of tools, including logical reasoning, problem-solving skills and the ability to think in abstract ways. Different cultures have contributed to the development and application of mathematics. Today, the subject transcends cultural boundaries, and its importance is universally recognised. Mathematics is a creative discipline, and can produce moments of excitement and wonder when a student solves a problem, discovers a more elegant solution or suddenly sees hidden connections.

The Mathematics Programme aims to challenge our students and to prepare them with problem-solving, logical reasoning and coherent communication skills. Students should develop positive attitudes towards the subject and increasingly make connections between different aspects of mathematics and other curriculum areas. Mathematics plays a significant role in nurturing critical thinkers of the future.

Students entering Grades 6, 7 and 8 bring with them a variety of experience and ability in Mathematics. All grades are taught in a blended model, and opportunities for extension and support are made readily available to every student. Technology is woven throughout the curriculum, and we encourage its use to the extent that it furthers the learning. Assessment is done through a variety of methods including common tests, tasks, classwork, homework and investigational problems. Students reflect on their own progress at the end of each unit.

Grade 6 students learn Mathematics in a mixed grouping model, and are taught in advisory groups. These classes are created by Heads of Grade based upon a wide range of social and emotional considerations to help students learn in a familiar group and settle in successfully to Middle School. The mixed grouping model provides both challenge and support where needed, and our experience with the programme along with further academic research indicate that the mixed grouping model raises the achievement for all learners.

At the start of each topic, students receive a detailed list of learning objectives. And, at the end, students write a common unit assessment such as investigation, a task, skills test or a differentiated test.

Below are more details of what students study in each term in Mathematics in Grade 6. Please note that this may change as teachers adapt the curriculum to the needs of particular individual students.

• Operating with Negative Numbers 

• Writing and Simplifying Algebraic Expressions 

• Angle Properties and Constructions

• Using Factors and Multiples

• Problem Solving with Fractions and Decimals

• Creating and Analysing Graphs

• Measuring Area and Perimeter

• Introduction to Ratio

Grade 7 students will continue learning in the mixed grouping model. This model gives all students exposure to more complex ideas and access to higher level work, and is most successful when groups have a true balance of ability. To ensure that this balance is represented in all Grade 7 Mathematics classes, we have allocated students to a class based upon their Mathematics learning profile from last year, which includes their attainment scores, effort and approach to learning. New students have also been distributed to a Mathematics class based upon the results of their entrance examination. Our aim is to ensure that all Mathematics classes in Grade 7 contain a balance of learners. There are no Mathematics ‘bands’ or set levels and each Mathematics class will have a similar breadth of learners. 

Below are more details of what students study in each term in Mathematics in Grade 7. Please note that this may change as teachers adapt the curriculum to the needs of a particular individual and groups of students.

• Exploring Percentages

• Simplifying Expressions and Solving Linear Equations

• Theoretical and Experimental Probabilities

• Ratio and Proportional Reasoning

• Algebraic Equations, Inequalities, and Quadratic Expressions

• Area, Surface Area, and Volume

• Introduction to Sequences

Grade 8 students will continue learning in the mixed grouping model. This model gives all students exposure to more complex ideas and access to higher level work, and is most successful when groups have a true balance of ability. To ensure that this balance is represented in all Grade 8 Mathematics classes, we have allocated students to a class based upon their Mathematics learning profile from last year, which includes their attainment scores, effort and approach to learning. New students have also been distributed to a Mathematics class based upon the results of their entrance examination. Our aim is to ensure that all Mathematics classes in Grade 8 contain a balance of learners. There are no Mathematics ‘bands’ or set levels and each Mathematics class will have a similar breadth of learners. 

Below are more details of what students study in each term in Mathematics in Grade 8. Please note that this may change as teachers adapt the curriculum to the needs of a particular individual and groups of students.

• Manipulating Algebraic Equations and Formulae

• Working with Indices

• Roots and Pythagoras Applications

• Exploring Bivariate Data

• Linear Functions

• Angle Properties and Transformations

• Solving Simultaneous Equations

• Introduction to Trigonometry