Year 8 (ages 12 to 13)
Year 8 builds on the first year. Algebra becomes more important, science introduces more calculations, and in many schools the first decisions about GCSE options begin.
What changes
- Algebra moves from simple equations to expanding brackets.
- Geometry brings Pythagoras and work with circles in many schools.
- Science uses equations such as density and speed.
Exams and tests
Internal tests and end-of-year exams are usual. Some schools start talking about GCSE options towards the end of the year.
Topics worth practising in Year 8
- Expanding brackets: Multiply out brackets in algebra, from a single bracket to the product of two brackets.
- Solving equations: Solve linear equations by undoing each step, including equations with the unknown on both sides and with brackets.
- Sharing in a ratio: Simplify ratios, share amounts in a ratio, and combine ratios that share a part.
- Speed, distance, time: Use speed, distance and time, including minutes, average speed over two stages, and changing units.
- Angles in polygons: Work out missing angles in triangles, round a point and in polygons, using angle sums and exterior angles.
- Punctuation: Choose the correctly punctuated sentence, covering commas, apostrophes, speech marks, colons and semicolons.
- Language techniques: Name the language technique in an example: simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration and more.
- Sentence types: Name a sentence as a statement, question, command or exclamation, and as simple, compound or complex.
- Density: Use density = mass ÷ volume to find density, mass or volume, in several units.
- Body systems: Know the organs of the human body and what they do, including digestion, breathing and the circulation.
Tips
- Practise the topic your last test showed was weakest.
- Read every explanation, including for right answers, to see the method.
- Try a mini mock to get used to working against the clock.
Every school plans its own timetable, so topics and exam dates vary. This is a guide, not a timetable.