Key Stage 1 (KS1) Maths
Age Range: 5–7 years old
Year Groups: Year 1 and Year 2
Focus and Objectives:
At KS1, the aim is to build a strong foundation in basic mathematical concepts and numeracy skills. The curriculum focuses on developing confidence and mental fluency with whole numbers, counting, and place value.
1. Number and Place Value:
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Counting forwards and backwards to at least 100.
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Understanding the value of each digit in a two-digit number.
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Reading and writing numbers in numerals and words.
2. Addition and Subtraction:
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Performing simple addition and subtraction using concrete objects and pictorial representations.
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Understanding and using mathematical symbols (+, -, =).
3. Multiplication and Division:
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Recognizing and creating equal groups.
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Understanding multiplication as repeated addition.
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Learning 2, 5, and 10 times tables.
4. Fractions:
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Recognizing, finding, and naming fractions such as 1/2 and 1/4.
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Understanding fractions as equal parts of a whole.
5. Measurement:
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Learning to tell the time to the hour and half-hour.
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Understanding and using units of measure (length, mass, capacity).
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Recognizing and using coins and notes.
6. Geometry:
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Identifying common 2D shapes (e.g., squares, circles) and 3D shapes (e.g., cubes, spheres).
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Describing position, direction, and movement, including whole, half, quarter, and three-quarter turns.
Key Stage 2 (KS2) Maths
Age Range: 7–11 years old
Year Groups: Year 3 to Year 6
Focus and Objectives:
KS2 builds on KS1 concepts, introducing more complex mathematical ideas and problem-solving techniques. The goal is to develop fluency, reasoning, and competence in various mathematical areas.
1. Number and Place Value:
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Working with numbers up to at least 1,000 and then up to 10,000 and beyond.
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Understanding place value in larger numbers and decimals.
2. Operations (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division):
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Performing calculations with larger numbers using formal written methods.
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Learning all times tables up to 12 x 12.
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Solving multi-step word problems.
3. Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages:
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Comparing and ordering fractions.
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Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions.
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Understanding the relationship between fractions, decimals, and percentages.
4. Measurement:
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Converting between different units of measure (e.g., km to m, hours to minutes).
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Calculating perimeter, area, and volume.
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Solving problems involving money and time.
5. Geometry:
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Identifying properties of shapes, including angles and symmetry.
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Plotting points and interpreting coordinates on a grid.
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Understanding translations, rotations, and reflections.
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6. Statistics:
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Collecting, presenting, and interpreting data using charts, graphs, and tables.
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Understanding mean, median, mode, and range (introduced in upper KS2).
7. Ratio and Proportion (Upper KS2):
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Solving problems involving relative sizes of quantities.
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Understanding and calculating scale factors.
8. Algebra (Introduction in Year 6):
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Using simple formulae.
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Solving one-step equations.
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Understanding sequences
Key Stage 3 (KS3) Maths
Age Range: 11–14 years old
Year Groups: Year 7 to Year 9
Focus and Objectives:
KS3 prepares students for the rigors of Key Stage 4 (GCSE level), delving deeper into mathematical concepts and enhancing analytical skills.
1. Number:
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Working with very large and very small numbers, including powers and roots.
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Performing calculations with fractions, decimals, and percentages.
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Understanding and applying concepts of standard form and rounding.
2. Algebra:
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Manipulating algebraic expressions, including expanding brackets and factorization.
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Solving linear and quadratic equations.
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Working with inequalities and sequences.
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Understanding functions and using graphs to represent relationships.
3. Ratio, Proportion, and Rates of Change:
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Solving problems involving direct and inverse proportion.
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Understanding and calculating rates of change.
4. Geometry and Measures:
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Exploring properties of 2D and 3D shapes, including congruence and similarity.
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Calculating area, perimeter, surface area, and volume.
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Understanding Pythagoras' theorem and basic trigonometry.
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Working with angles in various geometric contexts.
5. Probability:
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Calculating probabilities using fractions, decimals, and percentages.
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Understanding and using probability scales.
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Analyzing combined events and independent events.
6. Statistics:
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Collecting, representing, and interpreting data.
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Understanding and calculating averages (mean, median, mode) and range.
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Working with different types of charts and graphs, including histograms and scatter graphs.
Key Takeaways:
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Progressive Learning: Each Key Stage builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous one, ensuring a coherent and cumulative learning experience.
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Core Competencies: Emphasis is placed on developing fluency in calculations, problem-solving abilities, and logical reasoning.
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Real-world Applications: Students are taught to apply mathematical concepts to real-life situations, enhancing their understanding and relevance.
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Transition to Advanced Topics: KS3 serves as a bridge to more advanced mathematics, introducing concepts that will be explored in greater depth at the GCSE level.