Year 6 Maths Scheme of Work
In Year 6, the mathematics curriculum aims to consolidate all strands from KS2 and prepare pupils for the KS2 SATs assessments and the transition to secondary school. Number work extends to formal methods for all four operations applied to a wider range of numbers. Algebra is introduced as a new area, including using simple formulae and solving equations.
Fractions, decimals and percentages are treated as deeply connected, with pupils moving fluently between the three representations. Ratio and proportion are introduced as new topics. Geometry involves calculating missing angles, describing properties of circles and working with coordinates across all four quadrants. Statistics develops pupils ability to interpret and evaluate data critically.
Expected prior knowledge
- ✓Ability to use long multiplication and short division formal methods
- ✓Understanding of fractions, decimals and percentages and movement between them
- ✓Knowledge of properties of 2D shapes, coordinates and angle measurement
- ✓Ability to calculate mean, and interpret bar charts and line graphs
Units across the year
Six half-term units covering all strands of the KS2 Maths programme of study.
Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
- –Use common factors to simplify fractions; use common multiples to express fractions in the same denomination
- –Solve problems involving the relative sizes of two quantities where missing values can be found
- –Moving fluently between fractions, decimals and percentages using equivalence grids
- –Dividing fractions by whole numbers and multiplying proper fractions and mixed numbers
- –Solving multi-step problems involving fractions, decimals and percentages
- –Comparing and ordering numbers involving fractions, decimals and percentages on a number line
Introduction to Algebra
- –Use simple formulae
- –Generate and describe linear number sequences and find unknown values in equations
- –Solving missing number problems and expressing them using letter notation
- –Using and constructing simple formulae in familiar contexts
- –Finding pairs of values that satisfy an equation with two unknowns
- –Generating and describing linear sequences using algebra
Ratio and Proportion
- –Solve problems involving the relative sizes of two quantities where missing values can be found
- –Solve problems involving unequal sharing and grouping using knowledge of fractions and multiples
- –Introducing ratio using practical sharing activities
- –Expressing ratio in its simplest form and using ratio notation
- –Solving problems involving direct proportion using the unitary method
- –Applying ratio and proportion to recipes, maps and scale problems
Angles in Shapes
- –Find unknown angles in any triangles, quadrilaterals, and regular polygons
- –Recognise angles where they meet at a point, on a straight line or are vertically opposite
- –Demonstrating that angles in a triangle sum to 180 degrees using torn-off corners
- –Calculating missing angles in triangles and quadrilaterals
- –Finding angles on a straight line (180 degrees) and around a point (360 degrees)
- –Solving multi-step angle problems involving regular polygons
Solving Problems with Ratio
- –Solve problems involving similar shapes where the scale factor is known or can be found
- –Solve problems involving the calculation of percentages of whole numbers or measures
- –Using ratio to solve problems involving scale in maps and diagrams
- –Applying the unitary method to more complex proportion problems
- –Solving problems involving percentage increase and decrease
- –Using ratio to compare quantities in real-world contexts including recipes and finance
SATs Preparation and Mathematical Reasoning
- –Solve multi-step problems in contexts, deciding which operations and methods to use and why
- –Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry and developing an argument
- –Practising reasoning problems using the frameworks of convince, prove and generalise
- –Working through past SATs-style questions across all strands
- –Reflecting on mathematical vocabulary and how to use it in written explanations
- –Applying problem-solving strategies to unseen multi-step problems
Progression into KS3
At KS3, pupils will build on this foundation by extending algebra to more complex equations, developing understanding of ratio and proportion, and exploring a wider range of geometric and statistical content including volume, surface area and probability.
Individual lesson plans
Full lesson frameworks — learning objectives, vocabulary, lesson structure, and common misconceptions — for each unit in this scheme.
View all Year 6 Maths lesson plans →