We have a BIG problem with Maths and Science education in the UK. Internationally we are 27th and 16th respectively in league tables and domestically over 41% of our students failed to achieve maths grade C in 2011. Whilst our competitors have raced ahead we have, in the words of the OECD’s Director of Education, ‘stagnated’.
As they say 'every little helps' and the aim of Mathsmadeeasy is to improve maths achievement in the UK through written resources and coaching.
SATS (Standard Assessment Tests) tests are given at the end of year 2 and year 6. They are used to show your child's progress compared with other children born in the same month. For KS1, each child is assessed in reading, writing (including spelling and handwriting), maths (including number, shape, space and measurement) and science. For KS2 tests cover the three core subjects, English, Maths and Science.
Years 7 to year 9 span the period called key stage 3, culminating in the Maths, English and Science SATs tests.
By the age of 14, most children are expected to achieve level 5. These exams are often used to decide which GSCE set your child will be in.
General Certificate of Secondary Education, usually taken from ages 14 - 16 years.
Start in year 10, a two year GCSE course can be either modular (exams over two years) or linear (exams at the end). Two exam papers are taken at Foundation (achieving up to grade C) or Higher tiers (up to A*). Level 2 Key Skills = A*-C and Level 1 = D-G
AS Mathematics or Physics in year 12, has three modules usually examined in January or June. A2 Maths or Physics, a further three modules in year 13, completes the A-level course. AS and A2 are both 50% of the full A Level. The information provided is based on the OCR board, but will be applicable to other exam boards.
Number, Algebra, Shape and Space, Handling data KS2 Maths topics
Key stage 2 maths involves doing three tests:
Mental Maths (20 minutes) Non Calculator paper A (45 minutes) Calculator paper B (45 minutes)
Number
Understanding numbers, including negative numbers and decimals, in terms of counting, reading, writing, ordering and understanding place value;
Using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division in solving realistic problems;
Learning addition and subtraction facts within 20 (e.g. 8 + 7, 18 - 12) and multiplication and division facts to 10 x 10;
Understanding and using fractions, decimals, percentages and ratio;
Using estimation and approximation in numbers, calculations and a range of measurements;
Using metric units of measurement for length, capacity and weight, reading time on analogue and digital clocks, using standard units of time, understanding Imperial units still in use, solving problems involving measures.
Algebra
Exploring and using number patterns;
Using symbols, simple formulae and equations;
Understanding and using co-ordinate representation.
Shape and Space
Knowing the names and properties of 2-D and 3-D shapes, including angle and symmetry, and using knowledge to build, draw and describe them.
Understanding and describing position and direction using common words e.g. forwards, backwards, left, right, clockwise and anticlockwise, using compass bearings and co-ordinates;
Understanding types of movement and giving instructions for movement, including using angle as a measurement of turn;
Measuring shapes, including lengths of sides, perimeters, areas, volumes and angles Exploring and using number patterns;
Handling Data
Sorting and classifying objects;
Collecting, recording and processing information, including the use of data collection sheets, tables, lists, tally charts, frequency tables and a computer database;
Representing and interpreting data including the use of diagrams, frequency tables, bar charts, pictograms and line graphs;
Understanding and using averages, including mean, median and mode;
Understanding and using appropriate words to identify and describe likelihood;
Discussing the probability of events, including those with equally likely outcomes, (e.g. the probability of rolling a six using a dice).
Mental Maths (20 minutes)
KS2 Maths