Topic outline

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    IGCSE Mathematics Resource Plus overview
    • Mensuration
      The circle
      • Further materials

      show/hide  Video transcript
      In this unit of work we are going to look at circles.

      Before commencing the unit learners need to be confident with the concept of perimeter as a distance around a shape and area as the amount of space inside the boundary of a flat, 2-dimensional object such as a circle and they also need to understand the concept of units in terms of measurements of distance and squared units to represent area.

      We will start by consolidating learners' ability to use the vocabulary of circles and go on to explore formula for circle circumference and area. We will then introduce the formula for the arc length and area of the sector before carrying out calculations involving these elements of a circle.

      The first two lessons in this unit of work focus on securing a strong conceptual understanding of the perimeter and area of a circle. The unit then goes on to secure learners' understanding of arc length and area of the sector as part of the circumference and area of a whole circle.

      At the extended tier, learners can combine their understanding from this series of lessons with their knowledge from other areas of mathematics to solve more complex problems involving circles.

      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.

    • The circle



    • 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.


  • Interactive tools


    • show/hide  How can these tools be used?
      These resources are for use with any digital display in your classroom - including a projector, interactive whiteboard or any form of screen sharing technology. When selected, they fill the current available display. The resource is then ready for presentation and annotation.

      As part of your ongoing Resource Plus subscription, we plan to include additional tools. We'd love to know your thoughts and ideas for further development.

      • Graph A4 4mm axes

      • Graph A4 4mm axes

      • Graph A4 4mm


    • Test Maker - The circle past paper questions


    • testmaker-img_tcm149-505892.jpg

    • Test Maker is an online service that makes it easy for you to create high-quality, customised test papers for your learners using Cambridge questions.

      Test Maker is currently available for Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580 and Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics 0606 syllabuses, but although the grading differs for Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) syllabuses, the questions are valid for equivalent Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) and O Level syllabuses.

      Test Maker is available to all Cambridge schools through the Extra Services section of the School Support Hub.