The 10 RME modules, 5 for each of Year 7 and Year 8, cover Number, Geometry, Proportional Reasoning, Algebra, and Data (Statistics).

The modules are designed to support integration into existing schemes of learning/work.

1. Flexibility on ordering the modules

The table below lists the modules in the order they were covered in the 2018-2020 RME randomised controlled trial but, within each of Year 7 and Year 8, the module order can be rearranged, though we recommend that the Number module precede the Proportional Reasoning module.

2. Teaching time

The modules could take up 25% to 50% of the teaching time (2 to 4 weeks in an 8 week block) so there is flexibility on how and when they are covered in the classroom.

3. Content coverage

The table below outlines the topics covered in the 10 RME modules.

Module Content focus
Y7 Number (N1) Pictorial representations for fractions – the bar
Comparing fractions – various strategies
Adding and subtracting fractions
Finding a fraction of an amount
Y7 Geometry (G1) Finding area of various shapes including rectangles, triangles, parallelograms, trapezium and compound shapes
Looking at relationships between units of area
Y7 Proportional Reasoning (PR1) Pictorial representation for percentages
Finding percentage of an amount
Estimating percentages
Expressing one amount as a percentage of another
Percentage change
Proportional quantities
Y7 Algebra (A1) Letters and symbols for unknowns
Writing + – x ÷ using algebra
Collecting like terms, expanding single brackets, factorising
Developing pre- algebraic thinking for solving equations
Y7 Data (D1) The dot plot
Pictographs
Mean, median, mode and range for discrete data
Developing meaning for the mean
Y8
Y8 Number (N2) Deepening understanding of counting and multiplication (visually, geometrically, moving towards algebraic representation)
Ratio – the ratio table for recipes, speed, density, best-buy, multiplication and division
Y8 Proportional Reasoning (PR2) Comparing proportional quantities, looking at ratio visually
Dividing in a given ratio using the bar and the ratio table
Informal unitary method
More applications of the ratio table and the bar
Y8 Geometry (G2) The circle – finding area and perimeter for circular shapes
Volume – finding volume and surface area of 3D solids (cubes, cuboids and prisms)
Relationships between units
Y8 Data (D2) Pie Charts
Dot plots leading to median, quartiles, box & whisker plots
Averages for grouped data
Y8 Algebra (A2) Real life graphs
Straight line graphs, developing meaning for gradient and intercept
Formulas for graphs

 

4. Content coverage in relation to the National Curriculum in England

Topics from England’s secondary mathematics curriculum that are covered in the RME modules are highlighted in this annotated version of England’s secondary mathematics curriculum. Topics that are not covered include powers, Standard Form notation, prime factorisation, expanding and factorising double brackets, quadratic and other non-linear functions (and sequences), formal treatment of sequences, angle results relating to parallel lines and circle theorems, trigonometry, inverse proportion, and probability.