Guidance paper: Calculation

Introduction

Children are introduced to the processes of calculation through practical, oral and mental activities. As children begin to understand the underlying ideas they develop ways of recording to support their thinking and calculation methods, use particular methods that apply to special cases, and learn to interpret and use the signs and symbols involved. Over time children learn how to use models and images, such as empty number lines, to support their mental and informal written methods of calculation. As children's mental methods are strengthened and refined, so too are their informal written methods. These methods become more efficient and succinct and lead to efficient written methods that can be used more generally. By the end of Year 6 children are equipped with mental, written and calculator methods that they understand and can use correctly. When faced with a calculation, children are able to decide which method is most appropriate and have strategies to check its accuracy. At whatever stage in their learning, and whatever method is being used, it must still be underpinned by a secure and appropriate knowledge of number facts, along with those mental skills that are needed to carry out the process and judge if it was successful.

The overall aim is that when children leave primary school they:

• have a secure knowledge of number facts and a good understanding of the four operations
• are able to use this knowledge and understanding to carry out calculations mentally and to apply general strategies when using one-digit and two-digit numbers and particular strategies to special cases involving bigger numbers
• make use of diagrams and informal notes to help record steps and part answers when using mental methods that generate more information than can be kept in their heads
• have an efficient, reliable, compact written method of calculation for each operation that children can apply with confidence when undertaking calculations that they cannot carry out mentally;
• use a calculator effectively, using their mental skills to monitor the process, check the steps involved and decide if the numbers displayed make sense.