Mathematics is the body of knowledge centered on such concepts as quantity, structure, space, and change, and also the academic discipline that studies them. This brief documents considers the mathematics to be studied by 13 year old pupils in the key stage examinations.
Full details of the programme of study can be found at the Qualification and Curriculum Authority
Access the QCA Website for more information.
Learning and undertaking activities in mathematics contribute to
achievement of the curriculum aims for all young people to become:
• successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve
• confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives
• responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society.
The study of mathematics should enable pupils to apply their knowledge,
skills and understanding to relevant real-world situations.
The study of mathematics includes:
Students will study the use of numbers in counting and measuring. Together with number and geometry, algebra is one of the main branches of mathematics. Algebra is part of the curriculum in secondary education and provides an introduction to the basic ideas of the effects of adding and multiplying numbers, the concept of variables, definition of polynomials, along with factorization and determining their roots.
This includes the use of the four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, with integers and decimals. It also includes the equivalence of fractions such as ½ = 0.5 and ¼ = 0.25, etc.
This includes knowledge of operations and inverse operations and how calculators use precedence. Pupils should understand that not all calculators use algebraic logic and may give different answers for calculations such as 1 + 2 x 3.
This includes using mental and written methods to make sense of everyday situations such as temperature, altitude, financial statements and transactions.
This includes percentages and applying concepts of ratio and proportion to contexts such as value for money, scales, plans and maps, cooking and statistical information.
This is particularly important when using calculators and computers.
Geometry is a part of mathematics concerned with questions of size, shape, and relative position of figures and with properties of space. Geometry is one of the oldest sciences.
These include quadrilaterals, circles and shapes made from cuboids.
This includes constructing mathematical figures using both straight edge and compasses, and ICT.
Knowledge of Construction of angles of 30° and 60° will be assumed
This includes making sense of plans, diagrams and construction kits
This includes making sense of information involving compound measures, for example fuel consumption, speed and acceleration.
This includes 3D shapes based on prisms.
Statistics is a mathematical science consisting of the collection, analysis, interpretation or explanation, and presentation of data. It is applicable to a wide variety of academic disciplines, from the natural and social sciences to the humanities. Statistics is also used for making informed decisions in government and business.
This consists of planning, collecting data, processing and presenting the data, interpreting and discussing the results.
This includes the use of ICT.
This includes applying ideas of probability and risk to gambling, safety issues, and simulations using ICT to represent a probability experiment.
Further information is available from the website below.
For textbooks on Key Stage 3 Mathematics, vist the website below.
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