Working with the National Curriculum
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.