Learning Map
MathematicsGeometryusually ages 10–11

Classifying shapes by properties

Compare and classify geometric shapes based on their properties and sizes; understand that attributes belonging to a category also belong to all subcategories; classify two-dimensional figures in a hierarchy based on properties

How to tell they’ve got it

Tick these off as you see them — no test required.

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Try this together

If someone asks your child "is a square also a rectangle?", can they explain why the answer is yes — because a square has all the properties of a rectangle plus equal sides?

Where this sits on the map

Stuck here? Check the skills it builds on first. Confident? Here’s what it unlocks.

Builds on
Classifying shapes by line propertiesages 9–10Property-based hierarchy extends Y5 classification by parallel/perpendicular lines
Regular and irregular polygonsages 9–10Hierarchy includes regular/irregular distinction from Y5
Classifying shapes by propertiesthis skill · ages 10–11
Unlocks
Angles in triangles (age 10+)ages 10–11Finding angles in polygons requires knowing shape properties
Scale and similar shapesages 10–11Similarity requires understanding shape properties — equal angles, proportional sides
Properties of triangles and quadrilateralsages 11–13Extends KS2 shape classification into formal property derivation
Types of angles (age 11+)ages 11–13KS3 geometric notation builds on KS2 shape classification and property language
Area of Triangles & Parallelogramsages 10–11Must identify parallelograms/triangles and understand base/height as geometric properties
Order of operations (age 10+)ages 10–11Shape hierarchy exploits structural relationships

solid = must come firstdashed = helps

Curriculum alignment

Candidate matches to official curriculum codes — machine-suggested, unreviewed (v0.1).

Show candidate curriculum codes · 3 ACARA · 2 NSW · 3 VIC

Australian Curriculum v9 candidate

AC9M5SP03low confidenceYear 5 · Space

describe and perform translations, reflections and rotations of shapes, using dynamic geometric software where appropriate; recognise what changes and what remains the same, and identify any symmetries

AC9M4SP01low confidenceYear 4 · Space

represent and approximate composite shapes and objects in the environment, using combinations of familiar shapes and objects

AC9M6SP01low confidenceYear 6 · Space

compare the parallel cross-sections of objects and recognise their relationships to right prisms

NSW syllabus codes & stages only

MA3-2DS-01high confidenceMathematics K-10 · Stage 3
MA2-2DS-01high confidenceMathematics K-10 · Stage 2

Victorian Curriculum 2.0 codes & levels only

VC2M4SP01medium confidenceMathematics · Level 4 · Space strand
VC2M5SP03low confidenceMathematics · Level 5 · Space strand
VC2M6SP01low confidenceMathematics · Level 6 · Space strand

These are candidate alignments generated by semantic matching — machine-suggested and unreviewed (v0.1), not official or verified mappings. For official curriculum content see australiancurriculum.edu.au, curriculum.nsw.edu.au and f10.vcaa.vic.edu.au. Don’t rely on them for registration or compliance purposes.

Nearby on the map

2-D shapes (age 10+)ages 10–11 3-D shapes (age 10+)ages 10–11 Angles in triangles (age 10+)ages 10–11 Coordinates (age 10+)ages 10–11

All Geometry skills →