Year 9 Maths
What students learn this year:
Year 9 acts as the bridge between KS3 and the start of GCSE. Students consolidate core algebra, geometry and data skills while tackling more advanced concepts such as indices, rearranging formulae, simultaneous equations, Pythagoras, bounds, circle theorems, proportional reasoning and graphing. By the end of the year, students are well prepared—mathematically and academically—for the transition into Year 10.
Term overview:
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Term / Half-term |
Main topics / units |
Key knowledge & skills |
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Autumn 1A |
Standard Form |
· Multiplying by positive & negative powers of 10 · Converting numbers to & from standard form (positive & negative powers) · Standard form fluency (Corbett/Mr Carter practice) · Rounding to significant figures · Estimating calculations
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Autumn 1B |
Expressions and Formulae |
· Writing mathematical expressions from words · Substitution into expressions & formulae · Simplifying expressions (including index laws & negative indices as challenge) · Writing expressions & formulae · Changing the subject of a formula · Expanding single & double brackets · Factorising expressions (including difference of two squares) · Combined factorisation challenges
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Autumn 2A |
Dealing with Data |
· Planning surveys: bias, primary/secondary data, questionnaires · Bar charts (single & dual) · Calculating averages from grouped data · Estimating means · Scatter graphs (line of best fit, outliers, enquiries) · Frequency polygons
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Autumn 2B |
Multiplicative Reasoning & Transformations |
· Plans & elevations of 3D solids · Reflections (with/without axes) & describing mirror lines · Rotational symmetry · Rotations around a centre · Enlargements with positive, negative & fractional scale factors · Finding the centre of enlargement · Translations & combinations of transformations · Finance: percentage change and reverse percentages
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Spring 1A |
Equations, Inequalities & Proportionality |
· Solving equations with brackets & powers · Equations involving fractions · Equations with unknowns on both sides · Recurring decimals → fractions · Equations vs identities · Solving inequalities & representing solutions · Solving simultaneous equations (linear) · Forming equations for perimeter, area, angles, age problems · Recap of factorising
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Spring 1B |
Prisms |
· Volume & surface area of cubes & cuboids (problem solving) · Volume & surface area of right prisms · Compound volume problems
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Spring 2A |
Circles, Cylinders & Pythagoras |
· Circumference of a circle (including finding radius/diameter) · Area of a circle (including finding radius/diameter) · Volume & surface area of cylinders · Volume of spheres & hemispheres · Bounds: upper/lower bounds, percentage error intervals · Pythagoras’ theorem (calculating sides, solving problems)
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Spring 2B |
Probability |
· Calculating probabilities from tables · Comparing probabilities · Experimental probability, predictions · Venn diagrams, sample spaces & two-event diagrams · Experimental vs theoretical probability · Fairness of games · Independent events & tree diagrams
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Summer 1 |
Sequences & Graphs |
· nth term of arithmetic sequences (finding & generating) · Non-linear sequences: geometric & quadratic · Graphs showing rates of change (interpreting & solving problems) · Using y = mx + c to compare, draw & interpret linear graphs · Graphs in the form ax + by = c · Finding the equation of a line from two points · Solving simultaneous equations graphically · Quadratic graphs (drawing & interpreting) · Cubic graphs (drawing & interpreting)
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Summer 2 |
Comparing Shapes |
· Congruent & similar shapes (triangles, quadrilaterals) · Ratios in similar triangles · Trigonometry: o Tangent ratio o Sine ratio o Cosine ratio o Solving for missing sides in right-angled triangles
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How learning and progress are checked
Teaching approach:
Our teaching follows the Incio 5 principles set out by the Trust, with a strong emphasis on modelling, scaffolding and deliberately activating hard thinking. We pride ourselves on the belief that every boy can and will succeed, with lessons designed to challenge, support and push all learners to achieve their best.
Assessment in this year group:
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Type of assessment |
Approx. frequency / when |
What it is used for (e.g. reports, targets) |
|
Classwork / quizzes |
Short retrieval quizzes most lessons |
To check recall of key facts and address misconceptions quickly |
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Homework tasks via Eedi |
Three pieces set a week |
To practice applying ideas and build good study habits |
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Autumn Assessment |
Autumn 2 |
To give an overall picture of progress over the Autumn term |
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Spring Assessment |
Spring 2 |
To give an overall picture of progress over the Spring term |
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End-of-year assessment |
Summer term |
To give an overall picture of progress across the year |
Homework and Independent study
How often is homework set? Students receive three homework tasks each week. Two of these revisit work taught recently in class or review topics from previous terms to strengthen recall. The third task is personalized, generated by Eedi’s AI system based on each student’s performance, ensuring every boy practices exactly what he needs next.
Typical length per task: Homework should take no longer than an hour a week.
Suggested independent study (websites, reading, apps, routines):
Students benefit from spending 10–15 minutes a week reviewing their exercise book and the key examples covered in lessons. Helpful websites include BBC Bitesize, Corbett Maths, Maths Genie (KS3) and the practice questions built into Eedi. Short, regular practice with times tables and mental arithmetic also strengthens overall fluency.
How parents and carers can support:
- Encourage your child to talk through how they solved a question — explaining a method helps secure it.
- Check that homework on Eedi is completed on time and with full working shown.
- Provide a quiet, distraction-free space for study and encourage short, regular revision sessions.
- Help your child practice key number facts (such as times tables and mental arithmetic).
- Praise effort, resilience, and problem-solving rather than just correct answers.
Support, stretch and enrichment:
Students who need additional help benefit from the clear, structured layout of our Collins KS3 Maths textbooks, which break concepts into small, manageable steps with guided examples and plenty of practice. Lessons also include scaffolded models, step-by-step methods and vocabulary support. Where needed, teachers work closely with the SEND team to adapt materials and ensure every student can access the content confidently.
Stretch & challenge: The Collins textbooks also include built-in challenge tasks that encourage students to think more deeply and apply their learning to unfamiliar problems. More confident learners are given opportunities to tackle extension questions, rich problem-solving tasks and GCSE-style reasoning, helping them develop independence and mathematical resilience.
Clubs / trips / extra opportunities: While we currently do not run weekly maths clubs, there are two highly sought-after enrichment routes:
- UKMT Maths Challenge – selected students are invited to participate in this national competition each year.
- Axiom Problem-Solving Programme – a prestigious internal programme for high-attaining mathematicians, invitation only.
These opportunities allow the most committed and enthusiastic mathematicians to extend their thinking beyond the classroom.