Ratcliffe-College-Key-Stage-3-Handbook-2016-2017

Mathematics
What you will study:
Year 7
Students cover a variety of topics. These include the following: Symmetry, Coordinates
and Straight-line Graphs, Angles and Geometry, Number and Patterns,
Algebra, Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Perimeters, Areas and Volumes,
Transformations, Sequences, Statistics, Probability and Sets.
Year 8
During this year you will study many of the topics covered in Year 7, but in more
depth. You will be introduced to new topics such Conversion Graphs, Powers and
Indices, Enlargement, Constructions, Loci, Negative Numbers, Ratio, Stem and
Leaf Diagrams, and Multi-step Equations. You will also develop your mental
arithmetic skills. The highlight of the year is a Mathematics Day at Drayton
Manor Park.
Year 9
Many topics covered in Years 7 and 8 are re-visited and in addition students
come into contact with Pythagoras’ Theorem, Circles, Surds, Standard Form,
Repeated Percentage Change, and Recursive Sequences for the first time. After
the June examinations, students start the GCSE course.
Teaching approaches:
Students are taught how to use and apply Mathematics. To this end, you will be
provided with numerous projects and challenging tasks. You will also use specific
computer software to aid your understanding of certain topics. The extensive
MyMaths software is also used for consolidating topics. Each week you may use
the laptops during lesson time throughout Key Stage 3. This facility is also
available at lunchtime.
How you will be assessed:
Students in Years 7 to 9 take unit tests after every two chapters of work.
There are two sets of internal examinations per year, one in the Autumn term
and one in the Summer term. In Years 7 and 8 this consists of one written
paper (Non-Calculator for Year 7 and Calculator for Year 8) and a mental
arithmetic test. In the Year 9 examinations there are 2 written one hour
papers, and a mental arithmetic test.
How you will be grouped:
Students are taught for the first term in Year 7 in 3 broad ability sets. This
setting will be fine-tuned after an exam in November of Year 7. You will be
taught in sets up to GCSE. However, students are tested regularly and
performance is carefully monitored. There are opportunities for students to
move sets if your teacher feels that it would be more appropriate for you to be
in a higher or lower set. There are usually 4 sets in Years 7 -9.
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