what this article gives you
This article provides a practical, teacher-friendly JSS2 (Junior Secondary School 2) Mathematics scheme of work covering First, Second and Third Terms. It is built from commonly used unified/state schemes and the NERDC curriculum framework and is ready to drop into school plans or adapt for local timetables.
You’ll get:
- A week-by-week breakdown for each term (12 weeks per term — adaptable).
- Learning objectives and key skills for each topic.
- Suggested lesson activities, practicals and differentiation tips.
- Formative and summative assessment plan and an exam blueprint.
- Sample test questions and marking guidance.
- A sources list with the official and commonly used pedagogical references.
How to use this scheme
- Adopt the week sequence exactly if your term is 12 weeks; compress or expand topics if your term differs.
- Use the objective listed under each week as the lesson driver. Each objective is SMART-style (measurable).
- Mix teaching methods: direct instruction, guided practice, collaborative problem solving and timed drills.
- Record practicals and keep students’ exercise books as evidence for continuous assessment (C.A.).
- Align your end-of-term test to the provided exam blueprint and sample questions.
FIRST TERM SCHEME (Foundation & core numeracy)
Rationale: The first term consolidates JSS1 basics, introduces more sophisticated number work and starts algebraic thinking — a foundation for the rest of the year. This layout follows common JSS2 first-term schemes used across states.
Week 1 — Resumption, diagnostic & revision
Topic: Review of JSS1 mathematics; diagnostic test.
Objectives: Identify gaps from JSS1; prepare students for JSS2 pace; baseline assessment.
Activities: 30-minute diagnostic test (covering whole numbers, fractions, simple geometry); group revision tasks; set seating, share scheme of work.
Assessment: Diagnostic mark used to form ability groups.
Week 2 — Whole numbers (advanced)
Topic: Large and small whole numbers, place value, rounding and estimation.
Objectives: Read/represent numbers to millions; round to given place; apply estimation in word problems.
Activities: Number games, rounding races, estimation challenges.
Skills: Number sense, mental arithmetic.
Week 3 — Operations & Number properties
Topic: Operations (BODMAS), factors, multiples, LCM/GCF.
Objectives: Apply BODMAS; compute LCM/GCF by prime factorization and division.
Activities: Factor trees, LCM/GCF puzzles, mental warmups.
Assessment: Short quiz (10 marks).
Week 4 — Fractions (continued)
Topic: Equivalent fractions, simplifying, compare/arrange.
Objectives: Simplify fractions; convert between mixed and improper fractions; compare fractions using common denominators.
Activities: Fraction cards, paired conversion drills, real-life fraction problems (recipe scaling).
Week 5 — Operations on fractions
Topic: Addition, subtraction, multiplication & division of fractions.
Objectives: Perform operations with unlike denominators; solve word problems involving fractions.
Practical: Recipe scaling and measurement tasks.
Week 6 — Decimals & Percentages
Topic: Decimal place value, conversion between fractions and decimals, simple percentages.
Objectives: Convert fractions↔decimals↔percentages; apply percentages to simple profit/loss and discount scenarios.
Activities: Market pricing activity, classroom shop to practice discounts and simple interest.
Week 7 — Ratio and Proportion
Topic: Ratio notation, equivalent ratios, direct proportion, solving proportion problems.
Objectives: Solve real-life ratio problems (recipes, maps, scale drawing).
Assessment: Problem sets and short test.
Week 8 — Commercial arithmetic / Money matters
Topic: Bills, trade transactions, change, simple interest (introductory), profit & loss basics.
Objectives: Calculate change, simple interest for short periods, profit/loss percentages.
Activities: Role-plays (buying/selling), bank deposit/withdrawal practice.
Week 9 — Directed numbers & basic algebra introduction
Topic: Negative numbers — addition/subtraction on number line; algebraic expressions: terms, coefficients.
Objectives: Work with negative numbers and evaluate simple algebraic expressions.
Activities: Number line games; algebra “match the expression” tasks.
Week 10 — Algebra—simple equations
Topic: Simple linear equations in one variable; solving by balancing.
Objectives: Formulate and solve equations from word problems.
Activities: Equation relay races; stepwise scaffolding for weak learners.
Assessment: Week 10 test and remediation.
Week 11 — Data handling basics
Topic: Tables, tally charts, frequency distribution, simple bar charts.
Objectives: Collect, record and present discrete data using tally and bar charts.
Activities: Class survey (favourite sport/food), plot charts.
Week 12 — Revision & Term Exam
Topic: Revision of Term 1 topics; first term examination.
Assessment: 60–80 mark exam with practical question(s) where applicable. (SchemeofWork.Com)
Also Read : JSS2 Business Studies Scheme of Work First Term
SECOND TERM SCHEME (Algebra, geometry & mensuration)
Rationale: Second term expands algebra, introduces coordinate graphs and deeper geometry/mensuration ideas common to JSS2 unified schemes.
Week 1 — Review & diagnostic
Topic: Resumption test & review of Term 1 gaps.
Objective: Ensure learners are ready for algebraic progression.
Week 2 — Algebraic expressions (continued)
Topic: Simplification, like terms, factorization by taking common factors.
Objectives: Simplify expressions and factorize simple algebraic expressions.
Activities: Algebra tiles (if available), factorization races.
Week 3 — Expansion & brackets
Topic: Expand brackets: a(b+c), (a+b)(c+d).
Objectives: Expand and simplify products of algebraic expressions.
Assessment: Problem set and mini quiz.
Week 4 — Linear inequalities & equations (extended)
Topic: Solving simple linear inequalities; representing solutions on number line.
Objectives: Solve and interpret inequalities; translate word problems to inequalities.
Activities: Real-life inequality examples (age restrictions, budget constraints).
Week 5 — Graphs in two variables
Topic: Cartesian plane; plotting points; graphing linear equations.
Objectives: Plot coordinates; draw straight lines for simple linear equations; interpret real-life graphs.
Practical: Use real data to draw line graphs (distance/time example).
Week 6 — Mensuration (plane figures)
Topic: Area and perimeter of rectangles, triangles and circles; introduction to compound shapes.
Objectives: Compute area/perimeter; solve mixed mensuration problems.
Activities: Hands-on measurement exercises; using string and grid paper.
Week 7 — Mensuration (volume)
Topic: Volume and surface area of cubes, cuboids and cylinders (basic).
Objectives: Calculate volumes for simple solids; connect units (cm³ ↔ m³).
Assessment: Practical measuring problems.
Week 8 — Angles & polygons
Topic: Interior/exterior angles of polygons; angle properties of triangles.
Objectives: Apply angle sum formulas; solve polygon angle problems.
Activities: Geoboard constructions (if available) and angle chase tasks.
Week 9 — Scale drawing & construction
Topic: Scales on maps, enlargement/reduction; basic constructions using compass & ruler.
Objectives: Read map scales; perform basic constructions (perpendicular bisector, angle bisector).
Practical: Scale drawing classroom layout.
Week 10 — Pythagoras (intro) & trigonometric awareness
Topic: Pythagoras theorem for right triangles (statement and simple applications); sine/cosine idea (introduction only).
Objectives: Apply Pythagoras in simple measurement problems.
Activities: Hands-on problems using 3-4 triangles.
Week 11 — Data presentation (continued)
Topic: Pie charts, histograms (basic introduction), interpreting graphs.
Objectives: Create pie charts from frequency tables and read information from histograms.
Assessment: Mini project: class survey presented as pie chart.
Week 12 — Revision & Term Exam
Assessment: End-of-term practical and written examination.
THIRD TERM SCHEME (Geometry, statistics & exam preparation)
Rationale: Third term consolidates geometry, probability, statistics and sets the class up for JSS3 content. Many state schemes place geometry constructions, bearings and trigonometry here.
Week 1 — Review & resumption test
Aim: Quickly identify remaining misconceptions.
Week 2 — Angles of elevation & depression; bearings
Topic: Practical angle measurement, bearings, and navigational problems.
Objectives: Solve basic problems on elevation/depression and bearings.
Week 3 — Constructions revisited
Topic: More complex constructions: equilateral triangle, perpendiculars, angle bisectors.
Objectives: Accurate constructions with compass and ruler.
Week 4 — Plane geometry properties
Topic: Properties of parallelogram, rectangle, rhombus, kite and trapezium.
Objectives: Use properties to find missing angles and sides.
Week 5 — Loci and loci problems
Topic: Locus definitions and constructing loci (equidistant from points/lines).
Objectives: Create loci using compass.
Week 6 — Similarity & scale factors
Topic: Concept of similarity, scale factors and applications.
Objectives: Solve problems involving similar triangles and scale.
Week 7 — Probability (basic)
Topic: Simple probability experiments, sample space, events and probability laws.
Objectives: Compute probabilities for single events; experimental vs theoretical probability.
Week 8 — Statistics (measures of central tendency)
Topic: Mean, median and mode for grouped and ungrouped data; range and interpretation.
Objectives: Compute measures and interpret them in context.
Week 9 — Revision of core problem areas
Activities: Focused remediation for weak students; mixed problem sets covering the year.
Week 10 — Mock examinations & timed practice
Activities: Full past-paper style mock; timed sections to build exam technique.
Week 11 — Final revision
Activities: Targeted mini-lessons on common errors (algebraic manipulation, units, diagram reading).
Week 12 — End of Year Examination & portfolio submission
Assessment: Cumulative paper covering Terms 1–3 plus practical evidence and portfolio of classwork.
Assessment plan (practical, formative & summative)
- Continuous Assessment (C.A.) 40%: Weekly short tests, class participation, homework, practical notebook, mini-projects.
- End-of-Term Exam 60%: Paper made of Objective (MCQs), Short answers/Structured questions and Application/Problem solving; practical where applicable (e.g., mensuration tasks, data projects).
- Mock exams: At least one per year to simulate full exam conditions (Term 3 week 10 recommended).
- Marking guidance: Use rubrics for open tasks (model solution, correct method, accuracy, presentation).
Sample end-of-term exam blueprint (60 marks)
Section A — Objective (20 marks)
- 20 multiple choice/short answer covering facts and simple calculations.
Section B — Structured questions (25 marks)
- 3–4 structured problems on algebra, number, geometry (show workings).
Section C — Application/Problem solving (15 marks)
- Mensuration problem, graph interpretation, one data-handling question.
Exam tips for teachers: Ensure one question tests practical skills (units, drawing), and at least one multi-step algebra problem to assess reasoning.
Lesson delivery tips & classroom practices
- Starter activities: 5–10 minute mental arithmetic routines (tables, quick fraction conversions).
- Use manipulatives: Number cards, algebra tiles, protractors and compasses for hands-on understanding.
- Mixed ability grouping: Pair stronger students with weaker ones for peer coaching.
- Timed practices: Use short timed drills to build speed for exams.
- Use real context: Market prices for percentages/ratios; simple building plans for scale drawing and mensuration.
- Recordkeeping: Maintain a termly progress tracker with learning objectives and C.A. marks.
Differentiation & inclusion
- Remedial plan: Weekly 20-minute catch-up for identified weak learners (post-lesson or break).
- Extension activities: Challenging puzzles and Olympiad-style problems for gifted students.
- Students with SEN: Provide extra time, use oral assessments where needed, use calculators if school policy allows for specific learners.
Classroom practicals & project ideas
- Class market day: Practice percentages, profit/loss and change.
- Survey & statistics: Conduct a class survey; produce frequency tables, bar and pie charts.
- Scale drawing project: Students measure and draw a plan of the classroom to scale.
- Geometry construction portfolio: Each student compiles five accurate constructions with labeled steps.
Resources & recommended textbooks
- NERDC Junior Secondary Mathematics Curriculum (official guidance). (nerdc.gov.ng)
- State Unified Schemes of Work (Lagos State, Federal examples) — accessible as PDF downloads used widely by teachers.
- Recommended textbooks: locally approved SS2/JS2 Mathematics texts and Cambridge/New Excellence teacher guides for methodology.
Five high-impact recommendations (to improve student outcomes)
- Daily mental maths (10 minutes): dramatically improves arithmetic fluency.
- Practical application: use real problems (money, measurement) weekly.
- Portfolio evidence: each student keeps worked practicals for C.A.
- Formative quizzes: weekly low-stakes quizzes to identify gaps early.
- Mock exam under timed conditions once per year to prepare students mentally and logistically for final exams.
Sample short test (10 marks) — end of Week 6 (Term 1)
- Round 4,378 to the nearest hundred. (1)
- Simplify: 3/4 + 2/3. (2)
- Solve: 2x + 5 = 13. (2)
- A shirt sold for ₦2,400 after a 20% discount. What was the original price? (3)
- Give two examples of prime numbers between 20 and 40. (2)
Mark scheme: 1, 5/12, x=4, original price ₦3,000, primes: 23,29 (or equivalent). (Total 10)