Mathematics
Our Mathematics department equips our students with the skills to think critically, solve complex problems, and lay a solid foundation for advanced studies in mathematics, engineering, sciences and various other fields.
Curriculum Intent
At Poole High School, our Mathematics curriculum develops confident, resilient and analytical learners who can apply mathematical reasoning to solve complex problems and make informed decisions.
Mathematics encourages students to think logically, work systematically and communicate mathematical ideas with precision in both theoretical and real-world contexts.
The course challenges students to become independent thinkers, fostering intellectual curiosity and a willingness to persevere when faced with demanding problems.
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3 builds on the foundations laid in primary school and develops students knowledge, procedural fluency and problem-solving skills.
The curriculum has been designed to develop logical thinking, analytical skills and build confidence. We provide opportunities for independent practice to allow students time to consolidate their learning and to build their resilience to persevere when faced with challenges.
Topics covered in Year 7 includeNumber - decimals, fractions, percentages, index laws, rounding, order of operations, negative numbers, factors and multiples, divisibility rules
Algebra - understanding the language of algebra, simplifying expressions, solving equations, sequences
Ratio - proportion and rates of change – expressing as ratios, simplifying, proportion problems
Geometry and Measure – 2D shape properties, angles, area and perimeter, transformations
Statistics - averages, representing data
Topics covered in Year 8 include
Number - fractions, decimals, percentages, HCF and LCM, indices, standard form
Algebra - equations of a straight line, solving equations, expanding brackets
Ratio - proportion and rates of change – further ratio problem solving
Geometry and Measures - constructions, loci, volume, surface area, circles, congruence and similarity
Probability - introduction
Topics covered in Year 9 include
Number - ratio and proportion, compound measures, factors, multiples, fractions, simple and compound interest
Algebra - straight line graphs, expanding, factorising, solving equations, rearranging formulae
Shape - Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometry, bearings and constructions, angles in polygons, transformations, surface area and volume, plans and elevations
Probability - mutually exclusive events, listing outcomes, relative frequency, two-way tables, tree diagrams
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 4 builds on the foundations laid in earlier Years and prepares pupils for their GCSE examinations and a wide range of further study options, including A-levels, vocational courses and apprenticeships.
The curriculum has been designed to develop logical thinking, analytical skills and build confidence. We provide opportunities for independent practice to allow pupils time to consolidate their learning and aim to build pupils’ resilience to persevere when faced with a challenge.
Topics covered in Year 10 include:
Number - fractions, decimals, percentages, factors, bounds, indices, standard form, surds
Algebra - sequences, solving linear, quadratic and simultaneous equations, linear graphs, inequalities and rearranging formulae
Shape - Pythagoras and trigonometry, bearings, perimeter, area and volume, transformations, similar shapes, constructions, loci and scale drawings
Probability - data collection and representation, cumulative frequency curves, box plots, pie charts, histograms, tree diagrams, venn diagrams and set notation
Topics covered in Year 11 include:
Number - ratio, proportion, iteration
Algebra - equations, formulae and inequalities, functions, algebraic fractions, proof, quadratics
Shape - sectors and prisms, trigonometry, 3D shapes including cones and spheres, volume and surface area, transformations, similarity and congruence, circle geometry
Probability - probability trees, conditional probability
