The Framework for secondary mathematics: Introduction

Overview: The five strands of progression

The strands of the curriculum

In this overview the strands of mathematics are described separately. There are, however, many links between them because mathematics is not a set of isolated topics or learning objectives but an interconnected web of ideas, and the connections need to be made explicit to pupils. The Making connections in mathematics document may prompt a few reflections about your approach to planning.

The objectives are organised in the following strands:

1. Mathematical processes and applications
2. Number
3. Algebra
4. Geometry and measures
5. Statistics

Planning for progression and continuity describes how to make best use of the objectives presented as part of this Framework.

The five strands of progression

1. Mathematical processes and applications
   • 1.1 Representing
   • 1.2 Analysing – use mathematical reasoning
   • 1.3 Analysing – use appropriate mathematical procedures
   • 1.4 Interpreting and evaluating
   • 1.5 Communicating and reflecting
2. Number
   • 2.1 Place value, ordering and rounding
   • 2.2 Integers, powers and roots
   • 2.3 Fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and proportion
   • 2.4 Number operations
   • 2.5 Mental calculation methods
   • 2.6 Written calculation methods
   • 2.7 Calculator methods
   • 2.8 Checking results
3. Algebra
   • 3.1 Equations, formulae, expressions and identities
   • 3.2 Sequences, functions and graphs
4. Geometry and measures
   • 4.1 Geometrical reasoning
   • 4.2 Transformations and coordinates
   • 4.3 Construction and loci
   • 4.4 Measures and mensuration
5. Statistics
   • 5.1 Specifying a problem, planning and collecting data
   • 5.2 Processing and representing data
   • 5.3 Interpreting and discussing results
   • 5.4 Probability

The overview and the learning objectives are available in PDF format. Please choose between the smaller or larger font on A4 or A3 respectively, both cover 13 pages.

The mathematics overview and learning objectives A3 size

The mathematics overview and learning objectives A4 size