Year 8 – MATHS

All numbers can be described using 1 and 0 but prime numbers are hugely important in cyber security.  In Year 8 we will develop understanding of prime numbers.  Every measurement has uncertainty, but how uncertain is acceptable?  Estimation is a powerful tool.  The ancient Greeks loved their circles; many of their buildings are still standing and many of their artistic designs are admired today.  We will learn how important angles and shapes can be constructed with nothing more than a pencil, ruler, and pair of compasses.  Having studied two dimensions in Year 7 we will consider the third in Year 8, studying volumes and surface areas of prisms.  I wonder what a fourth dimension might be like; perhaps that’s where all the missing socks go.

Throw a ball.  Its path can be described by a quadratic expression.  We will consolidate and build on skills from Year 7 in dealing with linear equations, pushing forward to more complicated quadratic equations.  We will develop skills in writing efficient, algebraic maths by using symbols and brackets efficiently.  Understanding of angles will be developed further by considering polygons and parallel lines.  We will also consider how a map can be used to represent real life through scale drawing.  We buy pints of milk but 50cl bottles of water.  What is that about?  In Year 8 we will develop further knowledge of units of measurement, converting between metric units as well as between the metric and imperial systems.

How good are you at Yahtzee and Monopoly?  Make yourself better by learning about probability – a fundamental concept in the fabric of nature.  When you start winning more how will you present your statistics?  Your skills in data analysis and presentation will be developed through Year 8.  When you pinch and stretch a photo on your phone, you’re performing an enlargement.  In Year 8 you will learn the basics of enlargements, rotations, reflections and translations and their impacts on shape and space.  Why are so many old buildings still standing?  Perhaps it’s because of Pythagoras’ theorem.  You will learn how to use it to make a perfect right-angle – a fundamental aspect of maths and physics.