Maths Curriculum
Our Mathematics Curriculum for the 24/25 academic year was designed to build fluency, reasoning, and real-world problem-solving. Through carefully sequenced learning and opportunities for practical application, learners are supported to grow in confidence, make connections, and enjoy the challenge of mathematical thinking.
Starting Strong: Laying the Foundation in Early Years (Grades 1–2)
In Grades 1 and 2, learners explore maths through hands-on activities and relatable contexts. Core concepts such as number bonds, shape recognition, and simple measurement are taught in ways that link to daily life — from counting apples to telling the time.
Children were introduced to:
- Number & Counting up to 100, including skip counting in 2s, 5s, and 10s.
- Addition & Subtraction using practical strategies.
- Shapes & Patterns, recognising 2D and 3D shapes in their environment.
- Measurement, comparing lengths, weights, and capacities using familiar objects.
- Data Handling, sorting and representing information with pictograms and charts.
These early encounters lay the groundwork for confident mathematical reasoning.
Building on Understanding: Middle Primary Years (Grades 3–5)
As students move into Grades 3–5, mathematical concepts deepen. Learners tackle larger numbers, explore multiplication, division, fractions, and begin to use standard units of measurement.
Key themes include:
- Number & Calculation, including place value, fractions, and negative numbers.
- Algebra & Patterns, introducing simple expressions and sequences.
- Measurement, focusing on perimeter, area, and unit conversions.
- Geometry, including symmetry, definitions and quality of shapes.
- Statistics, interpreting data through bar charts and graphs.
Problem-solving is woven throughout — from working out the best deal in a supermarket to cracking multi-step puzzles. This stage builds the habits of logical thinking and persistence.
Extending Knowledge: The Bridge to Secondary (Grades 7–9)
From Grade 7 onward, learners are challenged with more abstract thinking and deeper mathematical reasoning. They apply previously learned concepts in new contexts and begin to tackle algebra, geometry, and data analysis in more structured ways.
In Grade 7, learners explore:
- Fractions, ratios, and the basics of algebra.
- Transformations and symmetry in geometry.
- Real-life data representation and introductory probability.
By Grade 8, they progress to:
- Expanding and solving linear equations and inequalities.
- Understanding algebraic sequences and basic trigonometry.
- Calculating probability of events and interpreting statistical data sets.
In Grade 9, mathematical rigour increases further with:
- Quadratics, simultaneous equations, and surds.
- Formal geometric proofs, circle theorems.
- Plotting exponential functions and exploring transformations of graphs.
By the end of Grade 9, learners are well-equipped with the analytical and numerical skills needed for advanced mathematical study.
Looking Forward
Whether it’s measuring ingredients in Grade 4, analysing travel graphs in Grade 7, or solving quadratic equations in Grade 9, our students continue to discover how maths is not only a subject to study — but a powerful tool for thinking, creating, and solving problems.
What is Mastery Maths?
Mastery Maths is an approach to learning that focuses on truly understanding mathematical concepts — not just getting the right answer. Rather than rushing through topics, students take the time to grasp each one in depth before moving on. The idea is simple: secure understanding at every step builds long-term confidence and success.
This method, which is a combination of the Singaporean and Russian approaches, is especially helpful for mixed-ability groups and for students arriving from different educational backgrounds. It ensures no one is left behind, gaps are identified and addressed, and every student can progress with clarity and purpose.
Students and parents alike can always see what’s been mastered and what still needs attention. This transparency helps everyone stay on track, and it gives us confidence that each student is genuinely secure in the key concepts — an essential factor when learners come from different schools, countries, and curricula.
The ASP Maths Club
Mathematics isn’t just a subject — it’s a way of thinking, exploring, and making sense of the world.
At Lumio, our After School Programme (ASP) Maths Club brings that spirit to life, offering students across year groups a space to stretch their thinking, fuel their curiosity, and experience the joy of mathematical discovery.
A Growing Community of Young Mathematicians
This year, more than 50 students from across the school joined the ASP Maths Club — a vibrant and fast-growing hub of curiosity and collaboration. Whether solving puzzles, tackling complex problems, or preparing for high-level competitions, our learners come together to engage deeply, think boldly, and grow through shared challenges.
Why Join the ASP Maths Club?
Deepen Mathematical Thinking
Our sessions extend well beyond the classroom. With a focus on creative problem-solving, logic games, and collaborative challenges, students develop their analytical skills in an environment that is both stimulating and enjoyable. It’s a space where questions are encouraged, mistakes are seen as part of the process, and thinking is truly valued.
Olympiad Preparation & Success
Our young mathematicians are already making their mark. This year, Lumio students have excelled in three major competitions, including:
- County Mathematics Competition
- Cyprus Kangourou
- The 26th Pancyprian Mathematics Competition
Several students advanced to national finals, and one standout, Kira, progressed to the selection stage for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) — the world’s most prestigious competition for school-age mathematicians.
Learn from Inspiring Mathematicians
We’ve hosted expert talks from luminaries such as Dr Alexander Shen — mathematician, author, and leading complexity theorist. These seminars offer students unique insights into advanced mathematical concepts and academic pathways in STEM, enriching their learning beyond the standard curriculum.
University Mentorship & Collaboration
In partnership with Neapolis University Pafos – Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, we welcomed university students into our club sessions to co-lead activities, mentor younger learners, and share their enthusiasm for mathematics. This intergenerational approach fosters confidence, encourages collaboration, and sparks aspiration among our students.
Dr Georgios Charalambous – Mastering Mathematics the Singaporean/Russian Way
Dr Georgios Charalambous is the Organising Secretary of the Cyprus Mathematical Society and is actively involved in the Cambridge–Beijing Science Initiative. He currently lectures in Mathematics at the American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo.
He holds a Master’s degree in Pure Mathematics from the University of Cambridge (2012), a Master’s in Theoretical Physics from the University of Lancaster (2015), and completed his PhD at Cambridge in 2024.
Dr Charalambous is a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications and has received both the David Astley and Alan Talbot Prizes in recognition of his academic excellence.
His approach to teaching reflects a deep respect for conceptual mastery and structured reasoning, drawing on both the Singaporean and Russian traditions of mathematical education.
This year, Dr Georgios Charalambous provided individual support to one of our students, Kira, through a series of specialised training sessions in preparation for a mathematics competition.
He also participated in a meeting with school principals and the Lumio mathematics department, in his capacity as a university professor with deep knowledge of global mathematics curricula and as the Organising Secretary of the Cyprus Mathematical Society. His involvement reflects his strong interest in supporting and advancing mathematics education across the country. He will continue to contribute towards the development of our Mathematics curriculum. He is enthusiastic about our move towards the Singaporean and Russian teaching approach and will continue to support and mentor our students and teachers.
What’s Next?
We’re expanding to meet the needs of our diverse and passionate student base. Plans include:
- Dedicated clubs tailored to different year groups and ability levels — from enthusiastic beginners to Olympiad hopefuls.
- Stronger partnerships with universities and institutions to enrich learning and mentorship opportunities.
- Invite further gifted students into our growing ecosystem.
- Hosting and co-organising competitions, creating more opportunities to showcase talent and celebrate mathematics across Cyprus.
Discover Where Maths Can Take You
Whether solving riddles, tackling Olympiad-level problems, or exploring the frontiers of mathematical theory, our learners are discovering that maths is more than just numbers — it’s a pathway to confidence, creativity, and excellence.
Join the ASP Maths Club in September 2025 — and take your love for maths to the next level.
Lumio Shines in 2024–25 Maths Olympiad Season
The 2024–25 competitive maths season kicked off in brilliant form as Lumio students took to the stage for the first annual County Mathematics Competition in Cyprus on 9 November 2024. This new regional fixture saw participants from Levels 5 & 6 (Primary), Gymnasium, and Lyceum compete head-to-head in rigorous problem-solving challenges — and Lumio certainly made its mark.
County Mathematics Competition Highlights
- Grade 9: Kira – Diploma of Excellence, 1st place
- Grade 7: Konstantin – Diploma of Excellence, 2nd place
- Grade 7: Emin – Certificate of Commendation
- Grade 6: Anna, Giorgio, Georgii, Timofei – Certificates of Commendation
Kangourou Mathematics Competition Success
The annual Kangourou Mathematics Competition on 22 March 2025 saw Lumio students once again bringing home medals — this time from a global pool of participants.
- Grade 2: Matthew – Bronze
- Grade 3: Anna – Bronze
- Grade 7: Konstantin – Bronze
- Grade 9: Evgeni – Bronze
Amongst schools in the region, Lumio placed 4th overall in Paphos, highlighting the depth and breadth of talent across all age groups.
Cyprus Mathematical Olympiad Triumph
Rounding off the year’s events was the 26th Cyprus Mathematical Olympiad, held on 6 April 2025, where Lumio students again demonstrated excellence:
- Grade 9: Kira – Gold
- Grade 9: Fedor – Silver
- Grade 7: Emin – Bronze
From commendations to medals to a gold-winning Olympiad performance, Lumio’s young mathematicians are proving they have both talent and tenacity. With more competitions on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what they’ll solve next.
Meet our Team
Lev Breslav, Maths Advisor. – Lev combines deep mathematical knowledge with a student-focused, holistic approach to teaching. He studied Mathematics with teaching qualifications at Saint Petersburg State University, including courses in pedagogy and psychology. He is also a trained Gestalt psychotherapist, having completed studies in Italy and participated in numerous educational seminars and conferences. Lev has taught at the prestigious Physics and Mathematics Lyceum No. 239 and lectured in Higher Mathematics at the State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics, and Optics in Saint Petersburg.
Anna Dronzik, Maths ECA Lead. – Anna holds an MSc in Education Administration from HSE University, Moscow, alongside diplomas in Mathematics and Pedagogics from Lomonosov Moscow State University. She has also completed advanced English language training and brings a strong international perspective to her teaching. Anna has taught Maths and Computer Science across various schools and universities, prepared students for the SAT and GMAT, and worked with learners with special needs. She has also developed online educational materials and led teacher training projects in Russia and abroad, including Portugal, China, Norway, and Italy. Her work includes contributions to the MSU correspondence school and innovative programmes like Silaeder, blending Russian mathematical rigour with modern teaching methods.
We’re continuing with the hiring process for two new maths teachers. After interviewing 26 candidates, we’ve now narrowed it down to a shortlist of three.
