Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 Mathematics

We have an exciting and engaging Mathematics curriculum at Key Stage 3 based on the principle of Mastery. We have taken the best parts of a range of international education systems and blended them to suit our students. Students will study Number, Algebra, Geometry and Data and the topics covered broadly match the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum over the two years.

Students in Year 7 are initially placed in mixed ability classes which allows them to settle into secondary school life and consolidate their Mathematical knowledge from Key Stage 2. In January they are regrouped to allow them to learn according to their learning style. All students are given a solid foundation to progress to top grades at the end of Key Stage 4 at Borlase. There is a focus on understanding why maths works, and communicating mathematics clearly by showing working and explaining verbally. There are fun team games to develop problem solving skills and regular mini topic tests to check memory and understanding.

In Year 8, we allocate pupils into three streams. Two parallel 'Core' classes cover the curriculum aiming towards Level 9s in KS4. Two parallel 'Accelerated' classes cover this material faster. A smaller 'Support' class allows students who need more help to achieve their potential. All classes will be taught the same topics and have access to extension and support from their teacher. 

The opportunities to ask questions and get help is available to all through lunchtime sessions run by a teacher four days a week. In addition a targeted session run by teachers and older students runs every week and pupils are asked to attend this to receive one-to-one or small group help on topics they have missed or find hard.

Extra-curricular opportunities are available to pupils throughout the year. These are run by teachers, tutors or Sixth Form helpers. Examples of these include;

• The STEM Fayre

• Key Stage 3 Maths Club

• UKMT Maths competitions

Mathematics Topics in Years 7 and 8

Below are the topic lists for Years 7 and 8 for 2024-25.

We subscribe to Dr Frost Maths, as referenced in the topic list, which provides videos and online quizzes to consolidate pupils' learning.