Maths Curriculum

Overview of Department 

Key Stage 3 Maths at Rye College 

At Rye College, we want to create brighter by inspiring our students towards becoming as passionate and enthusiastic about Mathematics as we are.  

In Years 7 and 8, we ensure students secure their learning of number, and then introduce and develop new topics to build upon their skills to develop a strong understanding of Mathematics. In addition, we introduce students to a range of problem-solving strategies. We have a cyclical curriculum to ensure that students repeat topics and therefore have greater retrieval skills. This supports students in studying a topic but in progressively greater depth each year.   

Curriculum Statement: Values and Aims

At Rye College, our curriculum ensures that students are ready and well prepared, not only for their Mathematics GCSE examinations, but to problem solve effectively and to use these skills in the real world. Mathematics features in every aspect of our lives and is such an important part of the world we live in. At GCSE, students study number, algebra, ratio and proportion, geometry and measures, probability and statistics.  

GCSE Mathematics  

The new Mathematics content has been divided into six main domains: Number; Algebra; Ratio, Proportion and rates of change; Geometry and measures; Probability; and, Statistics.  

All six areas are assessed via three external examinations. Examinations make up 100% of the assessment. Paper 1 is a non-calculator assessment whereas a calculator is allowed for Papers 2 and 3. All papers are 90 minutes in duration and contribute equally to the overall grade. There are two tiers available: ‘Foundation’ tier, with Grades 1-5 available; and ‘Higher’ tier, with Grades 4-9 available. Students sit all three exams at the same tier. The College decides the tier of entry. 

GCSE Mathematics is an important qualification for many courses and careers. Almost all jobs and careers require GCSE Mathematics, but the following are some that use Mathematics extensively: Economics, Medicine, Architecture, Engineering, Accountancy, Teaching, Psychology, Computing, Banking, Insurance, Marketing, Pharmacy, Science, Environmental Studies and Business Management. 

The Maths Team run a Year 11 revision club every week to help improve students’ progress. 

Knowledge Summaries - Maths

Progression Routes: from a GCSE Mathematics, students can progress on to study Mathematics at A-Level. The career opportunities related to Mathematics are actuary, accountant, computer programmer, doctor, engineer, teaching, physicist, and construction. In fact, many careers are underpinned by Mathematics so this list would be extensive.