Year 7 Maths
What students learn this year
In Year 7, students build strong foundations in number, algebra, geometry and data. The curriculum begins with essential calculation skills and gradually introduces more abstract thinking through algebra and geometry. Students develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and confidence, preparing them for the demands of Years 8 and 9.
Term overview:
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Term / Half-term |
Main topics / units |
Key knowledge & skills |
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Autumn 1 |
Number Skills & Data Handling |
· Written multiplication & division · Checking answers using inverses · Divisibility rules · Multiplying & dividing by powers of 10 (including decimals) · Order of operations (BIDMAS) · Rounding (whole numbers, decimals, significant figures) · Estimating calculations · Negative numbers (ordering, adding/subtracting, intro to multiplying negatives) · Factors, multiples, primes, prime factor trees · HCF & LCM (listing and Venn diagram methods) · Square numbers, roots & triangular numbers · Averages (mean/median/mode/range) · Averages from frequency tables · Tally charts, pictograms & bar charts (including dual & compound bar charts)
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Autumn 2 |
Data Handling Continued & Introductory Algebra |
· Pie charts (reading & constructing) · Two-way tables · Comparing sets of data using averages and range · Line graphs · Function machines · Simplifying expressions (including arithmetic with algebraic terms) · Expanding single brackets & simplifying · Writing expressions from word descriptions · Substituting into formulae (STEM link) · Writing formulae, identifying variables & unknowns · Introductory solving of 1- and 2-step equations (light-touch; revisited in Y8) · Revision and problem-solving
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Spring 1A |
Fractions, Decimals & Percentages |
· Comparing fractions (with diagrams) · Simplifying fractions · Mixed ↔ improper conversions · Multiplying & dividing fractions · Adding & subtracting fractions (same & different denominators) · Fractions of amounts · Fraction–decimal conversions · Ordering decimals · Decimal calculations (all four operations) · Understanding percentages · Percentage calculations (with and without calculator) · Equivalence across FDP · Expressing one number as a fraction/percentage of another · Ordering FDP combined
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Spring 1B |
Probability |
· Probability language · The probability scale (0 to 1) · Listing outcomes · Calculating probability of single events · A or B events · Probability of “not” events · Simple experimental probability (collecting data and conclusions)
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Spring 2A |
Measures & Shapes |
· Converting units of length, mass and capacity · Reading scales on measuring equipment · Perimeter of shapes and perimeter problem-solving · Area of rectangles and compound shapes · Imperial ↔ metric conversions
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Spring 2B |
Ratio & Proportion |
· Direct proportion & the unitary method · Ratio notation · Simplifying ratios (including 3-part ratios) · Dividing quantities into a ratio · Ratio problem-solving · Ratio as fractions · Comparing proportions using fractions & percentages · FDP links to proportions
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Summer 1A |
Lines and Angles |
· Types of lines, angles & triangles · Symmetry in triangles · Measuring, drawing and estimating angles · Solving angle problems · Accurate triangle construction · Angles on a straight line, around a point, vertically opposite · Angles in triangles · Quadrilateral properties & angle sums · Interior & exterior angles of polygons
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Summer 1B
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Sequences and graphs |
· Term-to-term rules · Types of sequences · Pattern sequences and practical pattern growth · Finding the nth term (linear sequences) · Identifying whether a term belongs to a sequence · Coordinates · Midpoints · Straight-line graphs parallel to axes · Plotting simple linear graphs (e.g., y = x, y = –x) · Reading values from graphs · Intro to index laws (multiplying and dividing indices) · Revision of algebra
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Summer 2
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Transformations |
· Congruency · Enlargement with positive scale factors · Determining scale factor from object/image · Line & rotational symmetry · Reflections, rotations & translations · Combined transformations · End-of-year revision
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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 personalised, generated by Eedi’s AI system based on each student’s performance, ensuring every boy practises 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 practise 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.