Mathematics

Curriculum 

We teach mathematics from Year 7 through to Year 13.  

Our curriculum is carefully designed to build strong foundations in fluency while encouraging ambition and resilience. As students progress, they are encouraged to think more deeply through embedded problem-solving and reasoning tasks that challenge and extend their understanding. This balanced approach not only supports mastery but also prepares students for the demands of formal assessment. To enhance this, we regularly incorporate exam-style questions—both in class on paper and through the use of specialised digital tools—providing valuable experience and helping students develop effective strategies over time. Learning is further reinforced through well-aligned homework, delivered via Sparx Maths, an intelligent online platform that tailors tasks to individual needs, supporting consolidation and steady progress at a personalised pace. 

 

GCSE 

At Chelmer Valley High School, students study GCSE Mathematics through the Edexcel exam board, following a spiral curriculum model. This approach allows key mathematical concepts to be revisited and developed over time, helping students to strengthen their understanding, retain knowledge more effectively, and make deeper connections across topics. The course is designed to build fluency, encourage mathematical reasoning, and develop strong problem-solving skills—essential for both academic success and everyday life.  Assessment takes place at the end of Year 11 through three equally weighted exam papers—one non-calculator and two calculator papers. We offer both Foundation and Higher Tier entry routes to ensure all students are appropriately supported and challenged. 

The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including: 

• Number – developing numerical fluency, working with fractions, decimals, percentages, and standard form. 

• Algebra – exploring expressions, equations, sequences, graphs, and algebraic manipulation. 

• Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change – applying proportional reasoning in real-life contexts. 

• Geometry and Measures – understanding shapes, angles, transformations, area, volume, and trigonometry. 

• Statistics and Probability – interpreting data, calculating averages, and understanding probability models. 

 

A Level  

Students studying A Level Mathematics at Chelmer Valley High School follow the Edexcel specification, which offers a rigorous and rewarding course designed to deepen mathematical understanding and analytical thinking. The course is structured around three key areas: Pure Mathematics, Statistics, and Mechanics. Pure Mathematics forms the core of the course and includes topics such as algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and proof. Statistics introduces students to data analysis, probability, and statistical techniques, while Mechanics focuses on modelling physical systems, including motion, forces, and Newton’s laws. 

Assessment is through three externally examined papers at the end of Year 13: 

• Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 – This paper assesses content from the full Pure Mathematics curriculum, including topics such as algebra, trigonometry, calculus, coordinate geometry, sequences, and vectors. There is no fixed topic allocation, so students must be prepared for any pure content. 

• Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2 – Like Paper 1, this paper also draws from the entire Pure Mathematics content. It may include any of the same topics as Paper 1, and is designed to test students’ depth of understanding and ability to apply concepts in a variety of contexts. 

• Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics – This paper is divided into two sections. The Statistics section covers topics such as data presentation, probability, and statistical distributions. The Mechanics section focuses on modelling physical systems, including motion, forces, and Newton’s laws. Together, they assess students’ ability to apply mathematical techniques to real-world scenarios. 

Each paper is 2 hours long and equally weighted, contributing one-third to the final A Level grade. Throughout the course, students are supported with high-quality teaching, regular practice, and targeted feedback to help them develop confidence and achieve their full potential. 

Enrichment

Beyond the classroom, we are proud to offer a rich and varied programme of enrichment activities that bring mathematics to life and inspire students beyond the curriculum. Our trips have includeda Year 7 visit to Bletchley Park, where students explore the fascinating history of codebreaking and its mathematical foundations, and a Year 9 trip to Disneyland Paris, where they investigate the maths behind rollercoaster design and theme park engineering. We also regularly attend Maths Inspiration talks, where students hear from leading mathematicians and professionals about real-world applications of maths in fields such as design, technology, and entertainment. 

Within school, we run in-house maths competitions, some of which have earned external recognition and prizes, and we actively participate in national events such as National Numeracy Day, with themed activities designed to engage the whole school community. Our popular Maths Club provides a space for students to explore puzzles, games, and challenges in a fun and supportive environment. We also take part in the UKMT Maths Challenges each year, giving students the opportunity to test their problem-solving skills against others nationally. 

Recommended Resources

All year groups: 

• Sparx Maths (https://sparxmaths.com/) - Log in from RM unify. Use your yellow APP sheets from recent tests to search for videos and questions on key topics. 

• Mathswatch (https://vle.mathswatch.co.uk/vle/)  - Use your yellow APP sheet to find topics to revise. Watch videos and practise questions. 

 

GCSE

• Mathsgenie (https://www.mathsgenie.co.uk/) - Has practise past papers and student friendly mark schemes.  Also, has videos, questions and answers for every single topic.   

• OnMaths (https://www.onmaths.com/) - All past papers available online to practise.  Also has predicted papers to practise. 

• Corbettmaths (https://corbettmaths.com/) - Some excellent revision resources available here. 5-a-day questions, practising all GCSE topics. 

 

A Level  

• Mathsgenie (https://www.mathsgenie.co.uk/) - Has practise past papers and student friendly mark schemes.  Also, has videos, questions and answers for every single topic. 

• PMT (https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/) - Has practice questions and answers for all topics, past papers and also a solution bank for all exercises in the Pearson textbook we use in lessons. 

• Bicen Maths (https://www.youtube.com/c/BicenMaths) - Youtube videos for all topics in the course. He also has videos of chapter summaries, general advice and past paper walkthroughs.