Description

Pre-iGCSE Maths Year 1

For January 2026 Enrolment

Our Pre-iGCSE Maths Year 1 course is thoughtfully designed to support young learners who are ready to deepen their mathematical understanding but are not yet at the formal examination stage. This online preparatory maths program is ideal for students who aspire to excel in mathematics and eventually progress toward successful completion of iGCSE Mathematics, building the essential skills and confidence they need along the way. Whether your child is academically ambitious, in need of structured support, or passionate about problem-solving, this course offers a solid mathematical foundation that aligns with multiple international educational frameworks.

This class aligns with KS3 mathematics (Year 8 in England), S1 in Scotland, and 7th Grade in the USA, making it suitable for students aged approximately 11–13. It bridges the gap between primary-level maths skills and the more demanding concepts introduced at the secondary and early iGCSE level. Students will benefit from expert instruction, interactive live sessions, and a supportive learning environment that encourages analytical thinking, mathematical fluency, and academic independence.

Pre-iGCSE Maths Course Details

In the class, we will complete the math curriculum over the course of 30 weeks in our live online sessions.

Day & Time: Thursdays 11am-12:30pm GMT (Two 40-minute sessions each week.)

Location: Zoom Meeting

Tutor: Hannah Smith – an experienced mathematics educator known for her ability to make maths engaging, approachable, and enjoyable for students with diverse learning styles.

Required Materials: 

• this scientific calculator (or similar),
• Maths kit (includes ruler, protractor, and compass)
• (optional) Math Facts Helps

This class aligns with KS3 mathematics (Year 8 in England), S1 in Scotland, and 7th Grade in the USA, making it suitable for students aged approximately 11–13. It bridges the gap between primary-level maths skills and the more demanding concepts introduced at the secondary and early iGCSE level. Students will benefit from expert instruction, interactive live sessions, and a supportive learning environment that encourages analytical thinking, mathematical fluency, and academic independence.

Because the course is delivered online, students can participate from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This makes the course ideal for home-education families, students in remote or international learning environments, and learners seeking academic enrichment outside of traditional school settings.

A Curriculum Rooted in Core International Standards

The course loosely follows Education Scotland’s Second and Third Level Benchmarks for Numeracy and Mathematics, while also integrating elements of the UK KS3 curriculum and foundational competencies required for iGCSE-level study. The result is a hybrid, multi-tiered approach that ensures students are not just learning to calculate, but learning to think mathematically.

Key areas of development include:

• Number sense and arithmetic
• Algebraic thinking
• Fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Logic and problem-solving
• Measurement and estimation
• Geometry and spatial reasoning
• Data and statistics fundamentals

By reinforcing essential concepts and gradually introducing more advanced ideas, students gain both the knowledge and practical experience required to succeed in future maths education—whether pursuing Cambridge iGCSE Mathematics, Edexcel iGCSE Mathematics, or comparable international GCSE-equivalent exams.

This class is geared toward S1/S2 (Y8-Y9) 7th-8th grade students, but is equally open to younger students who are advanced in their maths skills or older students taking maths a bit slower. Students aged 14+, following the US Qualifications model, are able to put this course on a transcript as proof of their maths education level as ‘Pre-Algebra’.

Laying the Foundation for iGCSE Maths

What are the key skills required for starting iGCSE Maths? Knowing that your teen is ready for the step up to iGCSE maths can be challenging, and knowing how best to prepare a younger teen to be ready when the time is right can be challenging.

As a home educator, I have found it difficult to find a good curriculum for my younger teens. There are many good maths curricula for primary-aged children. But the UK’s early high school curriculum is harder to find. Therefore, we have worked hard to create a maths curriculum to prepare students for iGCSE maths.

Watch on YouTube.

Sample Lessons available here.

What Students Will Learn — Key Mathematics Skill Areas

During the Pre-iGCSE Maths Year 1 course, students will strengthen and expand their understanding across three core mathematical domains:

1. Number, Money, and Measure

Students will explore number systems, operations, and the relationships between different numerical forms. This includes:

• Whole numbers and integers
• Factors, multiples, and primes
• Ratio and proportion
• Decimal and fractional operations
• Percentage conversions and applications
• Units of measurement and estimation
• Real-life mathematical problem solving involving time, cost, distance, and quantity

This section builds mathematical fluency and promotes confidence in navigating practical, everyday mathematical challenges.

2. Shape, Position, and Movement

This strand focuses on geometric reasoning, spatial awareness, and visual logic:

• Properties of 2D and 3D shapes
• Angles and angle sums
• Transformations (reflections, rotations, translations)
• Symmetry and pattern recognition
• Perimeter, area, volume, and surface area
• Introduction to coordinate geometry

Through guided exercises and visual examples, students learn to interpret and construct geometrical representations, laying the groundwork for later study of advanced geometry and trigonometry.

3. Information Handling

This section introduces students to foundational elements of data and statistical interpretation:

• Charts and diagrams
• Averages (mean, median, mode, range)
• Organizing and analyzing data sets
• Probability concepts and experiments
• Reading and interpreting graphs and visual data

These skills are increasingly relevant not only in maths, but across the sciences, technology, social studies, and real-world decision-making contexts.

Learning Beyond Calculations — History, Context, and Real-World Applications

One distinguishing feature of this Pre-iGCSE Maths course is its emphasis on the meaning and origins of mathematical principles. Rather than presenting maths as a set of abstract procedures to memorize, the course explores:

• The historical development of mathematical concepts across cultures
• Contributions of notable mathematicians throughout history
• Modern applications of mathematics in engineering, finance, computing, physics, architecture, economics, and data science

Understanding where maths comes from and why it matters helps students appreciate mathematics as a living, evolving discipline—and motivates them to see themselves as young mathematicians participating in that tradition.

Who Is This Course For?

This Pre-iGCSE Maths Year 1 course is ideal for:

• Students preparing to begin iGCSE mathematics
• Learners transitioning from primary to secondary level maths
• Homeschooling families seeking a complete, structured online maths solution
• Students in KS3 Year 8 (England) / S1 (Scotland)/ 7th Grade (USA)
• International students seeking alignment with UK-based maths qualifications
• Learners who thrive with interactive, teacher-led instruction
• Older secondary-aged students taking maths slower, or those needing additional reinforcement, confidence building, or extension

Whether your student is highly advanced or simply needs time to consolidate foundational skills, the course provides a supportive yet rigorous environment for growth.

Benefits of the Pre-iGCSE Maths Year 1 Course

By the end of the year, students will:

• Gain a strong grasp of core mathematical concepts
• Develop logical reasoning and analytical thinking
• Build numerical fluency and confidence in their abilities
• Acquire preparation and readiness for iGCSE Mathematics
• Improve their problem-solving strategies and resilience
• Strengthen their study habits and independent learning skills
• Experience maths through real-world examples, history, and storytelling

Most importantly, students will leave the course not just ready for the next step, but excited for it.

Register for Pre-iGCSE Maths Year 1

If you are looking for a high-quality online maths class that will equip your child with the knowledge, reasoning ability, and confidence required for iGCSE success, Pre-iGCSE Maths Year 1 offers an exceptional learning experience. With weekly live lessons, expert instruction, and curriculum alignment with internationally recognized standards, this course is an investment in your child’s academic foundation and future excellence in mathematics.

Registration is now open, and spaces are limited to maintain small group interaction and personalized attention. Secure your student’s place and give them the mathematical advantage they deserve.

For any inquiries about the course, please contact us at Arise@AriseHomeEducation.com

Spaces are limited, secure your spot today (payment options available), and prepare for an unforgettable home education experience. This class will run with a minimum of 5 students.

 

More Maths & Science Resources

• Faith & Science Podcast with course tutor Hannah Smith
• iGCSE Maths Information
• Math We Love: Top Maths Choices for Your Homeschool