Primary Mathematics at Key Stage 2

LOWER KEY STAGE 2 MATHS (YEARS 3 & 4)

Pupils’ fluency with whole numbers and the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) should progress significantly in years 3 and 4 (Key Stage 2).  It is intended that by the end of year 4, pupils should have memorised their multiplication tables up to and including twelve.

Pupils will be working with increasingly large whole numbers and should be developing their ability to solve a range of problems, including those with simple fractions and decimal place value.

Drawing is given more precedence at this stage with an emphasis on accuracy and analysis of the properties of different shapes and relationships between them.  Pupils will also be taught to make connections between measure and number and will be encouraged to use, read and correctly spell mathematical language.

UPPER KEY STAGE 2 MATHS (YEARS 5 & 6)

Pupils in upper key stage 2 will be extending their understanding of the number system and place value to include larger numbers.

Using both written and mental methods, pupils will be encouraged to solve a wider range of problems, including more complex properties of numbers and arithmetic.  Pupils should work autonomously to understand links between multiplication and division with ratio, percentages, decimals and fractions.

Pupils will be introduced to the language of algebra and will adopt it to begin solving new mathematical problems. They will continue to classify shapes of increasingly complex geometric properties and will have developed skills to tackle long multiplication and division throughout Key Stage 2 and by the end of year 6.

At the end of Key Stage 2, Year 6, students are assessed in Mathematics using SATs. These tests were changed in 2017 to reflect the updated and more rigorous National Curriculum. The tests are designed to challenge the students knowledge of all the areas that they have learned over their time in Key Stage 2. Although feared by many, these tests have been designed to allow teachers and parents alike to understand areas that need to be developed either individually or as a school.

Unlike the SATs in Key Stage 1, the Key Stage 2 SATs are compulsory for all students within state schools.

Students, and parents, can prepare themselves for these tests by utilising some of the many of the resources available. By getting used to the style of the questions and expectations of answers, students can ensure that they are ready for Key Stage 2 SATs and see them as an enjoyable challenge as opposed to an enforced test.