Maths topics explained for parents
Maths in England builds from counting to 100 in Year 1 to algebra, trigonometry and probability trees by Year 11. Number, fractions, measurement, geometry and statistics run through every stage, with ratio and algebra appearing in Year 6 and probability at Key Stage 3. Each year’s guides show what your child has met and what comes next.
Key Stage 3 maths
- Solving linear equations
- Graphs of linear and quadratic functions
- Sequences and the nth term
- Algebraic notation and formulae
- Constructions and scale drawings
- Transformations and enlargement
- Angles, parallel lines and polygons
- Pythagoras and trigonometry
- Perimeter, area and volume
- Powers, roots and standard form
- Fractions, decimals and percentages
- Rounding, estimation and error
- Place value, ordering and number properties
- Probability and Venn diagrams
- Ratio and sharing in a ratio
- Percentage change, proportion, compound units
- Units, scale and fractions of quantities
- Averages, charts and scatter graphs
- Reasoning mathematically
- Solving problems
- Developing fluency
Key Stage 4 maths
- Straight-line and quadratic graphs
- Quadratics, simultaneous equations, inequalities
- Special sequences and the nth term
- Algebraic fractions, proof and functions
- Exponential, trig and circle graphs
- Quadratic formula, iteration, inequalities
- Quadratic sequences and surd ratios
- Factorising, indices and identities
- Circles, solids and bearings
- Pythagoras and trigonometry
- Circle theorems and vector proof
- Sine rule and cosine rule
- Enlargement, similarity and vectors
- Surds, recurring decimals and bounds
- Standard form, indices and accuracy
- Conditional probability
- Tree diagrams and combined events
- Proportion equations and rates of change
- Compound units, proportion and growth
- Histograms and box plots
- Sampling, trends and correlation
- Reasoning and proof in maths
- Problem solving and modelling
- Surds, indices and proof (higher)
- Fluency in number and algebra
Year 1 maths
Year 2 maths
Year 3 maths
Year 4 maths
Year 5 maths
- Adding and subtracting large numbers
- Decimals, thousandths and percentages
- Mixed numbers and fraction calculations
- Reflection and translation
- Angles in degrees and polygons
- Units, perimeter, area and volume
- Long multiplication and short division
- Factors, multiples, primes, squares and cubes
- Numbers to 1,000,000
- Line graphs, tables and timetables
Year 6 maths
- Introduction to algebra
- Order of operations and multi-step problems
- Long multiplication and division
- Decimals, percentages and rounding
- Simplifying and calculating with fractions
- Four-quadrant coordinates, translation, reflection
- Angles, circles and nets
- Units, area and volume
- Numbers to 10,000,000 and negatives
- Ratio, percentages and scale factors
- Pie charts, line graphs and the mean