Mathematics

The purpose of teaching maths is to enable children to understand arithmetic, shapes, and measurement, to handle mathematical information, and to help them develop the skills to use these in every day life.

In the primary school, the National Curriculum divides maths into four areas:
  • Using and Applying Mathematics
  • Number
  • Shape, Space and Measures
  • Handling Data
Using and Applying Mathematics

In this area, children are taught how to apply maths to everyday situations, including the use of mathematical terms and vocabulary.

Number

This area covers counting, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. As well as learning tables "off by heart" (by the end of Junior school), children practice mental arithmetic and various ways of writing sums out. They learn how to read problems and work out how to solve them.

Shape, Space and Measures

This area includes learning about the properties of shapes (such as triangles, squares and rectangles), including their names and what makes them the similar to, and different from, each other. It also includes learning about measurement - length, area, volume and weight - and how to use measuring equipment such as rulers and scales. Finally, it includes learning to tell the time.

Handling Data

This begins to be taught at Key Stage 2, in the Juniors, and includes learning how to collect and sort information, and how to present it in graphs and charts.

The Numeracy Hour

Following on from the Literacy Hour, the government will be issuing guidelines for all schools to incorporate a Numeracy Hour into their daily routines. Check back here for more information later!

Maths Year 2000

If you are looking to increase your knowledge, and your families knowledge of mathematics in the new millennium, you may be interested to know that Maths Year 2000 launches in January to increase the understanding and awareness of maths for everyone. The project wants to help create a "let's do - can do" attitude towards maths and give everyone the chance to increase their confidence and maths skills and discover the fun and excitement of numbers.

Maths Crib Sheet

Back to National Curriculum