Maths & Computing

Maths

• Use precise mathematical language and logical thinking to explore and solve problems.
• Develop strong reasoning skills, choosing the most effective methods for different situations.
• Recognise and use patterns in number and geometry, such as number bonds, times tables and algebraic structures.
• Estimate accurately and apply methods to real‑life contexts.
• Build secure proportional and multiplicative reasoning as the foundation for fractions, decimals, ratio, algebra and more.
• Strengthen problem‑solving skills by breaking down complex questions and selecting appropriate strategies.
• Construct clear, logical arguments and justify mathematical ideas confidently.

As students deepen their mathematical understanding, we see them:

• Become fluent in number patterns, including recall of times tables.
• Work confidently with integers, negatives, decimals, fractions, and later surds.
• Recognise and apply proportionality, scale factors and multiplicative relationships.
• Use algebra to express and connect mathematical ideas.
• Communicate reasoning through clear, multi‑step logical arguments.
• Apply a range of techniques to tackle increasingly complex problems.
• Evaluate their answers using estimation, sense‑checking and proof.

• Autumn: Sequences, algebraic notation, simplifying expressions, solving equations, rounding, place value, written methods and averages.
• Spring: Data representation, factions decimals and percentages, directed number and perimeter and area.
• Summer: Fractions and percentages, decimals, directed number, angles and polygons, speed–distance–time, properties of number, and operations with fractions.

By the end of Year 7, students build fluency with key skills such as understanding integer and non‑integer number, using negative numbers, applying angle facts and working confidently with fractions.

In Year 8, students extend their number fluency and begin to apply more complex representations and algebraic skills.

• Autumn: Ratio, scale, multiplicative change, and multiplying/dividing fractions,  coordinates and gradients, representing data, probability,.
• Spring: Expressions, equations and inequalities, sequences and indices, percentages, standard form, number sense.
• Summer:  Angles in parallel lines, polygons, area of circles and trapezia, symmetry, and a deeper study of data handling.

Students develop confidence working across all four quadrants, manipulating algebra, applying ratio, and analysing data.

Year 9 strengthens key concepts needed for GCSE while broadening students’ mathematical reasoning.

• Autumn: Straight‑line graphs, forming and solving equations, 3D shapes, conjectures, constructions, and congruency.
• Spring: Numbers, percentages, standard form, financial maths, angles, transformations, and Pythagoras’ theorem.
• Summer: Enlargement and similarity (including fractional and negative scale factors), proportion, rate problems, and probability including tree diagrams.

Students become more adept at multi‑step reasoning, algebraic manipulation, geometric deduction and interpreting mathematical relationships.

In Year 10, students cover the core and advanced content required for GCSE, developing accuracy, fluency and confidence.

• Algebra: Manipulation, equations, identities, quadratic expressions and equations, graphs (linear, quadratic, cubic, circles).
• Number: Fractions, percentages, indices, surds, bounds, estimation.
• Ratio & Proportion: Sharing, combining ratios, proportional reasoning.
• Probability: Frequency trees, Venn diagrams, conditional probability.
• Geometry & Measure: Perimeter, area, volume, angles, vectors, trigonometry (including 3D), circles.
• Statistics: Representing and interpreting data, averages, scatter graphs, sampling.

Students strengthen key skills in reasoning, problem‑solving, representing mathematics graphically, and working with increasing complexity.

Year 11 consolidates all learning and focuses on precision, exam technique and higher‑level reasoning.

• Graphs: Linear, quadratic, cubic, exponential, reciprocals, circle graphs, tangents, real‑life graphs.
• Algebra: Expanding and factorising (including complex quadratics), changing the subject, functions, inequalities, algebraic proof, simultaneous equations.
• Geometry: Circle theorems, transformations, trigonometric graphs, loci and constructions, vectors.
• Number & Proportion: Direct and inverse proportion, pressure/density, ratio, compound measure problems.
• Statistics & Probability: Venn diagrams, distributions, product rule, sample spaces.

Students develop strong mathematical communication, proof, structured reasoning and the ability to apply mathematics in unfamiliar contexts.

Across all year groups, students benefit from:

• Continual low‑stakes testing, feedback and targeted reteaching.
• End‑of‑unit written assessments.
• Cumulative termly assessments (Key Stage 3).
• Year 10 cumulative assessments and Year 11 mini‑mocks, November and March GCSE papers.

Curriculum intent and maps are available here.

The Pearson Maths GCSE Specification is available here.

Computing

Computing at PACA

Computers shape almost every aspect of modern life. At PACA, our Computing curriculum is designed to equip students with the confidence, knowledge and digital literacy needed to participate safely and successfully in a technology‑driven world. Students learn how computers work, how to think logically, how to code, and how to use a range of software confidently and responsibly.

Across all year groups, our curriculum develops:

• Computational Thinking – decomposition, abstraction, pattern recognition and algorithms.

• Programming Skills – understanding programming constructs; following, debugging and creating code.

• Data Representation – exploring binary and how computers store and process information.

• Hardware Knowledge – understanding key components and how computers operate.

• Networks & the Internet – how devices communicate and how online systems function.

• Software Proficiency – using a wide range of applications to complete real tasks.

• Digital Fluency & Safety – navigating the digital world responsibly and safely.

Progression Through the PACA Computing Curriculum

As students grow more confident in Computing, they progress towards being able to:

• Express ideas clearly in algorithmic form.

• Program effectively in both block‑based and text‑based languages.

• Apply accurate terminology to explain computer systems, hardware, networks and binary processes.

• Use a wide range of software tools to complete creative and practical tasks.

• Understand digital risks and make safe, responsible choices online.

Curriculum Overview by Year Group

Year 7 – Foundations of Computing

Year 7 builds essential digital literacy and introduces the core principles of computer science.

Students learn:

• Basic computational thinking skills: breaking down tasks, identifying patterns, writing simple algorithms.

• Programming through block‑based languages, introducing sequencing, selection and iteration.

• Key hardware components and their functions.

• How data is represented in simple binary formats.

• Safe use of the internet, passwords, personal data and online behaviour.

• How to use a range of software to complete structured tasks confidently.

By the end of Year 7, students have a strong grounding in how computers work and how to think logically to solve problems.

Year 8 – Developing Programming and Systems Knowledge

Year 8 builds on prior knowledge and introduces more complexity in programming and systems.

Students learn:

• More advanced computational thinking: abstraction, evaluating algorithms, problem decomposition.

• Transition into text‑based programming languages while still using blocks where appropriate.

• Deeper binary understanding (including denary ↔ binary conversions).

• How networks operate, including key terminology (e.g. routers, switches, LANs, WANs).

• Data handling skills, including using spreadsheets and databases effectively.

• More complex software applications to complete multi‑step digital tasks.

By the end of Year 8, students can confidently apply core programming concepts and can explain how digital systems communicate.

Year 9 – Preparing for GCSE Computer Science Pathways

Year 9 deepens students’ understanding of computer science and prepares them for KS4 study.

Students learn:

• Full application of programming concepts in text‑based languages (such as Python).

• Algorithm design, flowcharts and pseudocode.

• More complex hardware and logic systems, including CPU components and Boolean logic.

• Networks in greater depth, including IP addresses, protocols and cybersecurity principles.

• The ethical, legal and environmental impact of technology.

• Stronger digital literacy, developing independence in selecting appropriate software for tasks.

By the end of Year 9, students are ready to progress confidently into the GCSE Computer Science or Cambridge National in IT pathway.

Year 10 – Applying and Extending Computer Science (GCSE Route)

In Year 10, students begin formal GCSE content with increasing emphasis on problem‑solving and technical understanding.

Students learn:

• Advanced programming techniques, including modular programming, procedures and functions.

• Data representation: hexadecimal, binary arithmetic and characters/images in binary.

• Computer systems: CPU architecture, memory, storage and embedded systems.

• Networks: topologies, hardware, network security threats and prevention methods.

• Algorithms: searching, sorting and efficiency.

• Software development: IDEs, testing and error‑handling.

By the end of Year 10, students can independently design, write and debug substantial programs.

Year 11 – Mastery, Communication and Exam Readiness

Year 11 consolidates all learning and focuses on applying knowledge with precision and confidence.

Students learn:

• Secure mastery of programming and algorithmic thinking.

• Cybersecurity: threats, vulnerabilities, social engineering, legislation.

• Revisiting all system architecture, networks and data representation at GCSE depth.

• Applying structured reasoning to explain processes clearly in longer written responses.

• Completing substantial programming tasks and exam‑style problem‑solving.

• Refining digital literacy and safe online practice for life beyond school.

Our curriculum intent and maps are available here

The OCR Computer Science OCR GCSE specification is available here 

Our Commitment to Gender Balance in Computer Science

PACA is dedicated to improving participation and representation in Computer Science. Our Head of Computer Science has completed the “I Belong: Encouraging Girls into Computer Science” training with the National Centre for Computing Education, supporting our aim to ensure that girls feel confident, empowered and inspired to pursue the subject.