This unit is going to look at learners' understanding of circles. It starts by consolidating learners' ability to use and interpret the vocabulary of circles. Learners will be supported to explore the formula for the perimeter (circumference) and area of circles.
Learners will be then introduced to the formula for the arc length and area of a sector. Learners will carry out calculations involving all these elements of a circle. At extended tier, learners will use their understanding to tackle more complex problem-solving activities.
The mathematics teaching develops learners' conceptual understanding alongside their fluent recall of knowledge and confidence in problem-solving.
In this unit we will focus on teaching for understanding and securing learners' understanding of perimeter and area as applied to a circle. We will do this by giving them the opportunity to apply these concepts in a range of contexts.
The lessons will demonstrate the importance of understanding dimensions to help learners differentiate between the rules for circumference and area of a circle. They will also be supported to understand arc length and sector of a circle. This understanding will be used to derive the formula for both arc length and sector area.
This unit of work is just one of the several approaches that you could take when teaching this topic and you should aim to adapt the resources to match the ability and level of your learners, as well as your school context.