Mathematics Grade 6 (Cambridge)

1. Number

This strand builds numerical fluency, expanding understandings of large numbers, rational numbers, and introductory algebraic thinking.

1. Numbers and the Number System: Read, write, order, and compare numbers up to 10,000,000. Work with negative integers in real-world contexts and calculate intervals across zero.
2. Properties of Numbers: Identify and apply properties of factors, multiples, primes, squares, and cubes (from 1 to 125) to solve problems.
3. Arithmetic Operations: Multiply up to 4-digit by 2-digit numbers and perform long division on 4-digit numbers, interpreting remainders as fractions or decimals. Apply laws of arithmetic and the order of operations (brackets).
4. Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages: Simplify, compare, add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. Work with decimals up to 3 decimal places and understand their relationships with percentages and fractions.
5. Ratio and Proportion: Understand and use ratios, simple rates (such as speed), and direct proportions to scale quantities.
6. Introduction to Algebra: Explore basic algebraic notation, use substitution, and solve simple linear equations (e.g., 2x + 5 = 15).

📐 2. Geometry and Measure

Students learn to classify shapes, geometric properties, coordinate calculations, and measurement conversions.

1. 2D and 3D Shapes: Classify and compare geometric shapes by their properties (including diagonals). Work with the nets of 3D solids.
2. Angles: Use angle rules to find missing angles in polygons, knowing that angles at a point sum to 360°, on a straight line sum to 180°, and within a triangle sum to 180°.
3. Position and Transformation: Read and plot coordinates on a four-quadrant coordinate plane, translating and reflecting shapes.
4. Calculations & Conversions: Calculate the perimeter, area, and volume of compound or complex shapes. Convert between metric units of length, mass, and capacity. Explore parts of a circle (radius, diameter, and circumference).

📊 3. Statistics and Probability

This strand teaches data analysis and measuring chance to build statistical thinking.

1. Data Handling: Conduct frequency distributions, extract data from tables, and construct/interpret pie charts and line graphs (e.g., distance/time graphs).
2. Statistical Measures: Calculate and interpret the mean (average), median, mode, and range of data sets.
3. Probability: Use the language of probability to describe outcomes, assessing likelihood, chance, and risk in everyday events.

🎯 Thinking and Working Mathematically (TWM)

Woven through all the topics above is Cambridge's core emphasis on mathematical habits. Grade 6 learners are taught to:

1. Specialise and Generalise: Test specific examples to find general mathematical patterns.
2. Conjecture and Convince: Formulate mathematical statements and justify them clearly.
3. Classify and Critique: Sort objects by shared traits and evaluate different approaches to finding a solution.