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Purpose of study
Mathematics at Key Stage 4 provides students with the essential knowledge, skills, and reasoning required to understand and interpret the world around them. Through studying number, algebra, geometry, statistics, and proportional reasoning, students develop logical thinking, problem solving resilience, and the ability to make informed decisions in everyday and professional contexts. The KS4 curriculum also prepares students for a wide range of future pathways, including further study, apprenticeships, and careers across STEM, business, finance, and creative industries.
Curriculum Structure
The KS4 mathematics curriculum is organised into five key areas of study. These areas are assessed with different weightings depending on whether students are entered for the Foundation or Higher tier. This ensures that all learners experience a broad, balanced curriculum while being appropriately challenged.
KS4 Topic Weightings by Tier
| Tier | Topic Area | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Number | 22-28% |
| Algebra | 17-23% | |
| Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change | 22-28% | |
| Geometry and Measures | 12-18% | |
| Statistics & Probability | 12-18% | |
| Higher | Number | 12-18% |
| Algebra | 27-33% | |
| Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change | 17-23% | |
| Geometry and Measures | 17-23% | |
| Statistics & Probability | 12-18% |
Curriculum Intent
Our KS4 mathematics curriculum aims to:
- Build deep, secure understanding of key mathematical concepts.
- Develop fluency in core skills and methods.
- Strengthen students’ ability to reason mathematically and communicate their thinking.
- Provide regular opportunities to apply mathematics to unfamiliar and real‑life contexts.
- Prepare students effectively for GCSE examinations and future study.
Curriculum Implementation
Teaching is sequenced to ensure that knowledge builds progressively across the two‑year course and further advances upon aspects they have learnt in the three years at KS3.
Key features include:
- Interleaving of topics to strengthen retention.
- Regular retrieval practice to secure long‑term understanding.
- Structured problem‑solving tasks to develop reasoning.
- Use of manipulatives, models, and representations where appropriate.
- Targeted intervention and challenge to support all learners.
Curriculum Impact
By the end of KS4, students will:
- Demonstrate confidence and accuracy in applying mathematical skills.
- Show resilience when approaching multi step or unfamiliar problems.
- Achieve outcomes that reflect their potential and prepare them for post 16 pathways.
- Recognise the value of mathematics in everyday life and future careers.
How will I be assessed?
The course of study we will be using in KS4 is the Pearson’s Edexcel GCSE Mathematics course.
There are 3 examination papers that students will take in the summer term of Year 11.
There are two tiers of entry, and a new grading structure has been introduced in recent years, from grade 9-1, to replace the familiar A* – G grading scale.
- Foundation tier: Grades 1 – 5
- Higher tier: Grades 4 – 9
For both tiers (each exam being 1 hour and 30 minutes long):
- Paper 1 – non-calculator assessment (80 marks)
- Paper 2 – calculator assessment (80 marks)
- Paper 3 – calculator assessment (80 marks)
Throughout all 3 of the examinations students will be required to memorise formulae that they have been taught in lessons.
Where can maths take you after secondary school
Getting a good (if not great) grade in Mathematics can open many opportunities within further education, such as:
| A Levels | Vocational Course | Apprenticeships | University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Engineering | Engineering Technician | Mathematics |
| Further Mathematics | Construction | Digital & IT | Engineering |
| Physics | Digital & IT | Accountancy | Computer Science |
| Chemistry | Health & Science | Construction | Medicine |
| Computer Science | Accounting | Laboratory Technician | Architecture |
| Economics | Economics |
With all these courses helping you lead to your future career around any of the following (plus more):
| STEM | Business and Finance | Health & Medicine | Trade | Public Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer | Accountant | Doctor | Electrician | Pilot |
| Architect | Financial Adviser | Nurse | Plumber | Police Officer |
| Scientist | Economist | Pharmacist | Mechanic | Teacher |
| Programmer | Business Analyst | Dentist | Builder | |
| Data Analyst | Surveyor |
How can I help my child improve upon their mathematics grades
Mathematics is a subject, just like music, where practice makes perfect. The best way of improving upon our mathematics grade is by finding out what we cannot do, reviewing on how best to do that skill (watching videos, using our exercise books, revision guides etc) and then practicing those skills.
If you chose to do a topic for 1 hour, for example, you could break it down this way:
- 10-15 minutes reviewing on how to do the technique
- 5-10 minutes making notes (creating examples)
- Up to 40 minutes practicing
Here are some free websites that you can use to help practice these skills:
