Area of compound shapes
I can find the area of compound shapes involving circles in different ways.
Area of compound shapes
I can find the area of compound shapes involving circles in different ways.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- There are multiple ways to find the area of compound shapes.
- The most efficient method may depend on the features of the shape.
- A method is to break the shape into shapes you can find the area of.
- A method is to complete the shape.
- A method is to rearrange the shape.
Keywords
Compound shape - A compound shape is a shape created using two or more basic shapes.
Composite shape - A composite shape is an alternative for a compound shape.
Area - The area is the size of the surface and states the number of unit squares needed to completely cover that surface.
Common misconception
Due to the many thought processes involved with these questions, pupils may end up choosing the incorrect value as the radius for a sector.
Encourage the use of words in their working e.g. "Diameter of shape A = 4 cm" or "Width of parallelogram = 6 mm" so when the numbers are needed again it is clear what each one is. If needed remind pupils of key word definitions such as radius.
To help you plan your year 10 maths lesson on: Area of compound shapes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 maths lesson on: Area of compound shapes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 maths lessons from the 2D and 3D shape: compound shapes unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions





Exit quiz
6 Questions






Radius of the circle -
14.5 cm
Diagonal of the rectangle -
29 cm
Area of the rectangle -
420 cm²
Area of the circle -
660.5 cm²
Area of the shaded region -
240.5 cm²