Mathematics

 

Curriculum intent

At Hayes School, our commitment is to provide moments of joy, support pupils to thrive beyond our gates, and nurture community and character through a curriculum that is conceptual, inclusive and responsive. Our values — kindness, endeavour, inclusivity and responsibility — shape every aspect of this curriculum. They ensure that every pupil, particularly the most disadvantaged and vulnerable, is known, supported and challenged to achieve highly and to flourish in school and beyond.

 

Purpose

In Hayes School our aim is to get all of our pupils to think like mathematicians. Mathematics is vital to the modern world and pupils need to understand its structure and the beauty of it. Our curriculum and teaching is delivered by passionate mathematicians who revel in the opportunity to deliver their subject and just what inspired them when they were starting on their mathematical journey. We want our pupils to enjoy their mathematics and believe in their ability.

 

Specification Information

GCSE Edexcel Pearson Maths

A Level Edexcel Pearson Maths

A Level Edexcel Pearson Further Maths

 

 
Academic End Points
Year 7 Students following the Year 7 Mathematics curriculum develop a secure understanding of number, algebra, statistics and geometry, building on the knowledge and skills acquired at Key Stage 2. They learn how to identify patterns, use algebraic notation, solve equations, work with fractions, decimals and percentages, and apply efficient methods for calculation and estimation. Students explore data through graphs, averages and statistical analysis, developing their ability to interpret and communicate mathematical information. They also study directed numbers, area, perimeter, speed, distance and time, as well as number properties including factors, multiples, prime numbers, HCF and LCM. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to reason mathematically, solve problems in real-world contexts and develop confidence in applying mathematical concepts across a range of situations.
Year 8 Students following the Year 8 Mathematics curriculum deepen their understanding of number, algebra, geometry and statistics, building on the foundations established in Year 7. They develop proportional reasoning through the study of ratio, scale, percentages and direct proportion, while extending their algebraic skills to include sequences, equations, inequalities and algebraic manipulation. Students learn to apply laws of indices, use standard form, and interpret and represent data using a range of statistical methods and graphical representations. They also develop geometric reasoning through the study of angles, polygons, constructions, symmetry, transformations, and the calculation of areas involving circles, trapezia and compound shapes. Throughout the course, students strengthen their mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and analytical skills, applying mathematics confidently to real-world contexts such as finance, science, data analysis and design.
Year 9 Students following the Year 9 Mathematics curriculum develop advanced knowledge and skills in number, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability, building strong foundations for GCSE study. They learn to solve increasingly complex equations, manipulate algebraic expressions, work with graphs, and apply proportional reasoning to financial mathematics, percentages, rates and real-world problem solving. Students deepen their understanding of geometry through constructions, congruence, similarity, transformations, Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometry, while also calculating area, surface area and volume. They explore a range of statistical and probabilistic concepts, including sets, Venn diagrams, relative frequency and data representation, and learn to interpret both linear and non-linear graphs. Throughout the course, students develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills, applying mathematical thinking confidently in practical, scientific and everyday contexts.
Year 10

Students following the Year 10 Foundation Mathematics curriculum develop secure GCSE-level knowledge across number, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability. They learn to manipulate algebraic expressions, solve equations and inequalities, work with percentages, ratios, fractions and proportional reasoning, and apply these skills to real-life contexts such as finance and budgeting. Students develop their understanding of graphs, probability, data handling and statistical representation, enabling them to interpret and analyse mathematical information critically. They also study geometric concepts including angles, area, volume, vectors, Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometry, applying mathematical methods to solve increasingly complex problems. Throughout the course, students build fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills, preparing them for success in GCSE Foundation Mathematics and for applying mathematics confidently in everyday life.

Students following the Year 10 Higher Mathematics curriculum develop advanced GCSE-level knowledge across number, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability. They learn to manipulate complex algebraic expressions, solve linear, simultaneous and quadratic equations, work with indices, surds, inequalities and algebraic fractions, and apply proportional reasoning through percentages, ratios and compound interest. Students deepen their understanding of graphs, probability and statistical analysis, including non-linear graphs, conditional probability, histograms and cumulative frequency diagrams. They also study geometric concepts such as vectors, Pythagoras’ theorem, trigonometry, the sine and cosine rules, and rigorous angle reasoning in polygons and parallel lines. Throughout the course, students develop sophisticated problem-solving, reasoning and analytical skills, preparing them for success in Higher Tier GCSE Mathematics and further study in mathematics, science and related disciplines.

Year 11

Students following the Year 11 Foundation Mathematics curriculum consolidate and apply the full range of knowledge and skills required for GCSE Foundation Mathematics, with a strong focus on fluency, reasoning and problem solving. They develop their understanding of ratio, proportion, geometry, graphs, algebra, sequences, standard form, circles, sets and probability, applying these concepts in both mathematical and real-world contexts. Students learn to solve equations and inequalities, interpret and sketch graphs, work with compound measures such as speed, density and pressure, and use scale factors, similarity and congruence in geometric problems. They also strengthen their ability to analyse data, interpret diagrams, use mathematical proof and communicate mathematical reasoning effectively. Throughout the year, students refine their exam techniques, retrieval skills and confidence in tackling multi-step GCSE questions, preparing them for success in their Foundation GCSE examinations.

Students following the Year 11 Higher Mathematics curriculum consolidate and extend their GCSE knowledge across number, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability, with a strong emphasis on advanced reasoning and problem solving. They develop sophisticated algebraic skills including functions, equations, inequalities, quadratics, sequences, proof, vectors and standard form, while applying mathematical reasoning to complex and unfamiliar contexts. Students deepen their understanding of geometry through similarity and congruence, circle theorems, trigonometry, bearings, constructions, loci and three-dimensional measures involving spheres, cones and frustums. They also study statistical and probabilistic concepts, including cumulative frequency, conditional probability, Venn diagrams and data interpretation, developing the ability to analyse and justify conclusions mathematically. Throughout the course, students refine their exam technique, mathematical communication and strategic problem-solving skills, preparing them for success in Higher Tier GCSE Mathematics and progression to advanced study.

Year 12  Pupils will be able to recognise patterns and form generalisations in all areas of mathematics, and will be able to reason mathematically in order to test or prove the truth of various mathematical statements. Algebra remains the cornerstone of a significant amount of the content covered. Pupils will reinforce skills covered in previous years but take their learning forwards into binomial expansion and geometric problems involving circles. They also study the concept of proof to a deeper algebraic level. The topic of calculus (differentiation and integration) is introduced with the pupils using these skills to solve problems that in a more logical and reasoned way. Links between these concepts and problems in mechanics are made. Pupils are also introduced to the concept of exponentials and logarithms, further expanding their skills of algebraic manipulation. The pupils meet the ‘SUVAT’ equations in KS4 but their derivation and use are expanded in year 12 mechanics. They will also consider how to solve problems involving forces, looking at Newton’s laws. Statistics builds on knowledge from KS4 and introduces the concept of testing hypotheses, expanding the pupils’ ability to interpret the relevance of statistical tests. The pupils will also analyse a large set of weather data to better appreciate the practical applications of their skills.
Year 13 

By the end of Year 13, students will have developed a sophisticated understanding of pure and applied mathematics, building on the foundations established in Year 12. In Calculus, they extend their knowledge of differentiation and integration by applying a wider range of techniques to solve increasingly complex problems, including the use of differential equations to model and investigate real-world situations. In Trigonometry, students build on their experience of solving basic trigonometric equations through the introduction of additional identities and ratios, developing skills that support more advanced work in calculus and mathematical modelling. They continue to strengthen their algebraic manipulation skills, particularly when working with algebraic fractions, and explore the use of parameters in equations, broadening their ability to analyse and solve mathematical problems. Students also encounter situations where exact solutions are not possible and learn more advanced numerical methods for estimating answers.

Students further develop their understanding of Sequences and Series, applying these concepts to contexts such as compound interest and financial modelling. In Statistics, they extend their study of probability distributions through the introduction of the normal distribution and learn about statistical tests for correlation, enabling them to better understand relationships between variables and critically interpret statistical information encountered in everyday life. In Mechanics, students build on their existing knowledge by studying forces in greater depth, including the introduction of friction and its effects on motion, making their models more representative of real-world situations. They also investigate moments and turning forces, allowing them to solve more complex mechanical problems and further develop their analytical and problem-solving skills.

   

 

Click here to visualise the Mathematics learner journey