At secondary level mathematics is now split into four main areas of study:

1. Using & Applying Mathematics

2. Number & Algebra

3. Shape, Space & Measures

4. Handling Data

With today's Key Stage Three tests and GCSE exams it is very important in being able to carry out basic calculations without the use of a calculator. This requires that you are able to carry out arithmetic using both fractions and decimals.

Using and Applying Mathematics is about the application of mathematics through investigation. At GCSE level you are required to carry out at least two coursework tasks in order to satisfy this specification, the marks from these tasks go toward's your final GCSE grade.

These two areas of mathematics were formally separate specifications on the curriculum, they are now treated as one specification.

Number at secondary level concerns the ability to carry out calculations using fractions, decimals & percentages. Ratio and Rate is also included in Number.

There are different kinds of number, including fractions, decimals, and whole numbers known as integers. For more details please follow the link shown below.

Number

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Algebra is essential to the study of mathematics at all levels beyond primary education, being mainly concerned with solving and forming equations using various rules.

A copy covering the basic rules required for G.C.S.E mathematics can be viewed from the following link.

Rules of Algebra

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Shape, Space & Measures used to formally be known as Geometry. It is the study of lines and the angular relationship between them, 2D & 3D shapes and their properties. Area, Volume, Similarity and graphs are also included in this specification.

Today there are strong links between geometry and algebra. It is very important that you can rearrange and solve a given formula.

Handling Data was formally called statistics. Included in Handling Data is probability theory, the representation of data using pie charts, bar charts, histograms and frequency graphs. Also included are the averages the mode, mean and median and their calculation from given data.