Maths Years 7 to 9

Introduction and Overview

All pupils will develop mathematical fluency, problem solving and reasoning, as part of the aims of the KS3 National Curriculum Programme of Study (PoS). We aim to provide opportunities for pupils to develop and deepen their understanding, whilst building stronger connections between the subject content requirements of Number, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change, Geometry & Measures, Probability and Statistics.

The KS3 PoS prepares all children for GCSE Maths. High attaining pupils will be entered for the UK Maths Challenge (UKMT) for the Junior Challenge in Years 7 & 8, and the Intermediate Challenge in Year 9.

How to support your child

  • Encourage growth mindsets. Everybody has unlimited maths potential and can progress with hard work, practice and support. Adding “yet” after “I can’t do it” reinforces this.
  • Discourage fixed mindsets by not labelling somebody (including yourself) as being born “good” or “bad” at Maths. A child labelled “good” can think they’re “not good” when they get something wrong, and not connect that hard work helps them to progress.
  • Encourage enquiring minds. Find logic in thinking and learn from mistakes rather than dismissing an answer as “wrong”. Review efficiency and reasoning of correct solutions.
  • Encourage your child to ask their teacher if unsure.
  • Encourage your child to play maths puzzles, games and challenges.
  • Encourage number sense and flexible approaches to calculations to develop fluency.
  • Discuss the curiosity and wonder of maths in context.
  • Don’t associate Maths with speed of answers. This can cause anxiety and build barriers.
  • Ensure your child brings a Scientific Calculator to lessons (please ask your child’s teacher for recommendations).
  • Discuss revision strategies, with practice questions and revising formulae encouraged.
  • Read Mathematical Mindsets (Boaler), Maths For Mums & Dads /More Maths For Mums & Dads (the teenage years) (Eastaway & Askew) available from our school library.

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Apps such as Logic Squares encourage development of fluency with calculations.

Additional Reading

  • Ball of Confusion – Johnny Ball
  • Alex in Numberland / Alex Through the Looking Glass – Alex Bellos
  • How Long is a Piece of String?/How Many Socks Make a Pair?/Maths on the Go: 101 Fun Ways to Play with Maths/Mindbenders & Brainteasers /Why Do Buses Come in Threes?-Rob Eastaway
  • The Number Devil – Hans Magnus Enzensberger
  • Murderous Maths Series – Kjartan Poskitt