Overview
Mathematics is a subject of logic, reasoning, problem-solving and perseverance. It underpins almost every aspect of modern life, from engineering, medicine and technology to economics, finance and the natural sciences. Mathematics enables us to identify patterns, model the world around us, make informed decisions and solve problems that shape our lives. It is not simply a collection of calculations and formulas, but a powerful way of thinking that helps us understand both the world we live in and the universe beyond it.
At Framwellgate School, we want every student to see themselves as a mathematician. We have high expectations for all students and believe that everyone can achieve success in mathematics through high-quality teaching, purposeful practice and resilience. We aim to develop confident, curious learners who are willing to think deeply, tackle unfamiliar problems and learn from mistakes. Students are encouraged to explain their reasoning, justify their methods and communicate mathematical ideas with precision using appropriate mathematical language.
We believe mathematics is a beautiful and highly interconnected subject. Our curriculum has been carefully sequenced, with opportunities for spaced retrieval and interleaving, so that students revisit key concepts, deepen their understanding and recognise the links between different areas of mathematics. Students develop fluency in mathematical procedures while also becoming increasingly skilled in reasoning, problem-solving and moving confidently between numerical, algebraic, graphical and geometric representations of mathematical ideas.
Throughout Key Stages 3 and 4, students study Number, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change, Geometry and Measures, Probability and Statistics. As students progress through the curriculum, they develop increasingly sophisticated mathematical knowledge and skills, enabling them to apply what they have learned confidently in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts. At Key Stage 4, students are assessed through three GCSE examination papers that reward fluency, reasoning and problem-solving.
Mathematics is one of the most highly valued qualifications by employers, colleges and universities. It provides the foundation for further study in a wide range of subjects and opens doors to careers in science, engineering, computing, finance, medicine, education and many other fields. More importantly, the logical thinking, resilience and analytical skills developed through studying mathematics equip students with the confidence to solve problems, make informed decisions and thrive in an ever-changing world.
Autumn Term
Content and Skills
Number sense and calculations
- Number sense
- Adding and subtracting
- Multiplying and dividing
- Negative numbers
- Order of operations
Expressions and equations
- Expressions
- Substitution
- Solving equations
Measures
- Time
- Measures
How is it assessed?
Topic Tests
Students complete short, low stakes Topic Tests at regular intervals throughout the term to assess their understanding of topics covered.
Term 1 Assessment
Once all Autumn term topics have been covered, students will sit a ‘Term 1 Assessment’. This is a 50-minute, non-calculator assessment out of 60 marks covering all topics taught this term.
Spring Term
Content and Skills
Geometry
- Line and shape properties
- Perimeter and area
Coordinates
Factors, multiples and primes
Fractions
- Writing and comparing fractions
- Adding and subtracting fractions
Single Brackets
How is it assessed?
Topic Tests
Students complete short, low stakes Topic Tests at regular intervals throughout the term to assess their understanding of topics covered.
Term 2 Assessment
Once all Autumn term topics have been covered, students will sit a ‘Term 2 Assessment’. This is a 50-minute, non-calculator assessment out of 60 marks covering all topics taught this term.
Summer Term
Content and Skills
Angles
- Angles
- Finding unknown angles
Handling data and statistical diagrams
- Averages and range
- Tables and chart
- Collecting and presenting data
Proportion
Fractions, decimals and percentages
- Multiplying and dividing fractions
- Fractions of an amount
- Fraction, decimal and percentage equivalences
Theoretical probability
How is is assessed?
Topic Tests
Students complete short, low stakes Topic Tests at regular intervals
throughout the term to assess their understanding of topics covered.
End of Year Assessment
About halfway through the summer term, students will sit an ‘End of Year Assessment’. This is a 50-minute, non-calculator assessment out of 60 marks covering all topics taught this year.
Autumn Term
Content and Skills
Percentages
- Percentages of amounts
- Percentage change
Calculating with money
Algebra
- Index laws
- Solving equations
- Sequences
Ratio and scale diagrams
How is it assessed?
Topic Tests
Students complete short, low stakes Topic Tests at regular intervals throughout the term to assess their understanding of topics covered.
Term 1 Assessment
Once all Autumn term topics have been covered, students will sit a ‘Term 1 Assessment’. This is a 50-minute, calculator assessment out of 60 marks covering all topics taught this term.
Spring Term
Content and Skills
Rounding
- Significant figures
Coordinates and midpoints
Geometry
- Area and units
- Area and circumference of circles.
Standard form
Venn diagrams
- Venn diagrams
- Factors, multiples and primes
3D Shapes
- Nets
- Surface area
- Volume
How is it assessed?
Topic Tests
Students complete short, low stakes Topic Tests at regular intervals throughout the term to assess their understanding of topics covered.
Term 2 Assessment
Once all Spring term topics have been covered, students will sit a ‘Term 2 Assessment’. This is a 50-minute, calculator assessment out of 60 marks covering all topics taught this term.
Summer Term
Content and Skills
Linear graphs
- Plotting graphs
- Finding equations
Transformations
Angles
Statistical diagrams
- Drawing and interpreting statistical diagrams
Algebra
- Linear inequalities
- Double brackets
- Algebraic fractions
Recurring decimals
How is it assessed?
Topic Tests
Students complete short, low stakes Topic Tests at regular intervals throughout the term to assess their understanding of topics covered.
End of Year Assessment
About halfway through the summer term, students will sit an ‘End of Year Assessment’. This is a 50-minute, calculator assessment out of 60 marks covering all topics taught this year.
Autumn Term
Content and Skills
Fractions and Percentages
- Fractions, decimals and percentages review
- Percentage change
Probability
Standard Form
Algebra
- Linear inequalities
- Quadratic equations
- Formulae
Constructions
Circles and Cylinders
How is it assessed?
Topic Tests
Students complete short, low stakes Topic Tests at regular intervals throughout the term to assess their
understanding of topics covered.
Term 1 Assessment
Once all Autumn term topics have been covered, students will sit a ‘Term 1 Assessment’. This is a 50-minute, calculator assessment out of 60 marks covering all topics taught this term.
Spring Term
Content and Skills
Error intervals
Geometry
- Representations of 3D shapes
- Pythagoras’ theorem in 2D
Ratio and Proportion
Linear graphs
Speed and rates
Distance-time graphs
How is it assessed?
Topic Tests
Students complete short, low stakes Topic Tests at regular intervals throughout the term to assess their understanding of topics covered.
Term 2 Assessment
Once all Spring term topics have been covered, students will sit a ‘Term 2 Assessment’. This is a 50-minute, calculator assessment out of 60 marks covering all topics taught this term.
Summer Term
Content and Skills
Quadratic graphs
Geometry
- Angles and bearings
- Transforming shapes
- Similarity
- Congruence
Handling data and statistical diagrams
- Scatter graphs
- Collecting and presenting data
- Grouped data
Column vectors
How is it assessed?
Topic Tests
Students complete short, low stakes Topic Tests at regular intervals throughout the term to assess their understanding of topics covered.
End of Year Assessment
About halfway through the summer term, students will sit an ‘End of Year Assessment’. This is a 50-minute, calculator assessment out of 60 marks covering all topics taught this year.
Here is the link to our exam specification:
Here is the link to our exam specification: