The secondary curriculum review
The key concepts that underpin the new programme of study provide the underlying structure for the subject. They are central to its understanding. It is intended that pupils will develop their understanding of these ideas as they study the subject. Growing familiarity with these concepts will move pupils towards becoming competent mathematicians and being aware of the importance of mathematics in their own lives. The key concepts can support pupils with their own mathematics, both within school and beyond, by helping them to:
It is through these key concepts that pupils will be able to deepen and broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding of the subject.
The key concepts are supported by the key processes of representing, analysing, interpreting and evaluating, and communicating and reflecting, which in turn highlight the importance of problem solving and mathematical thinking skills. Being at the heart of mathematics, these processes are what pupils should be able to do. They open up opportunities to present a wide range of mathematical contexts to pupils where the mathematics forms part of a larger picture and where the context can often, in itself, act as a motivator for doing mathematics.
Case study: Connecting mathematics with business and work-related learning
