Numeracy curriculum overviews

EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage)

Age Range: 3-5 years (Nursery and Reception)

Focus Areas:

1. Number:

Recognising and counting numbers.
Understanding and using numbers up to 20.
Simple addition and subtraction with objects.
Developing a basic understanding of more and less.

2. Shape, Space, and Measures:

Recognising and naming basic shapes (circle, square, triangle, etc.).
Understanding and comparing sizes, weights, and capacities.
Recognising patterns and using positional language (e.g., above, below).

Key Skills Developed:

Counting reliably with numbers from 1 to 20.
Using quantities and objects to add and subtract two single-digit numbers.
Solving problems involving doubling, halving, and sharing.
Understanding the concepts of measurement and time.

Key Stage 1 (KS1)

Age Range: 5-7 years (Year 1 and Year 2)

Focus Areas:

1. Number and Place Value:

Counting to and across 100.
Understanding place value (tens and ones).
Reading and writing numbers up to 100.

2. Addition and Subtraction:

Solving simple addition and subtraction problems.
Understanding and using the concepts of adding and subtracting one-digit and two-digit numbers.

3. Multiplication and Division:

Beginning to learn multiplication tables (typically 2, 5, and 10).
Solving problems involving grouping and sharing.

4. Fractions:

Recognising, finding, and naming a half as one of two equal parts of an object, shape, or quantity.

5. Measurement:

Understanding and using terms related to length, mass, volume, and time.
Recognising and using coins and money.

6. Geometry:

Identifying and describing basic 2D and 3D shapes.
Understanding position and direction.

Key Skills Developed:

Using numbers confidently for counting, ordering, and simple calculations.
Applying basic arithmetic in practical contexts.
Understanding basic geometric shapes and measurement concepts.

Key Stage 2 (KS2)

Age Range: 7-11 years (Year 3 to Year 6)

Focus Areas:

1. Number and Place Value:

Working with numbers up to at least 1,000 in Year 3, and up to 10,000,000 by Year 6.
Understanding and using place value in increasingly large numbers.

2. Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division:

Mastery of all four operations, including long multiplication and division.
Solving multi-step problems using these operations.

3. Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages:

Understanding fractions, decimals, and percentages and how they relate.
Performing calculations with fractions and decimals.
Converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages.

4. Ratio and Proportion:

Understanding and solving problems involving ratio and proportion (typically introduced in upper KS2).

5. Algebra:

Introduction to basic algebraic concepts, including simple equations and sequences.

6. Measurement:

Converting between different units of measurement.
Understanding perimeter, area, and volume.

7. Geometry:

Understanding properties of shapes, angles, and symmetry.
Plotting points and interpreting graphs on the coordinate plane.

8. Statistics:

Collecting, analysing, and presenting data using charts and graphs.

Key Skills Developed:

Fluency in arithmetic and number operations.
Problem-solving using a variety of mathematical concepts.
Applying mathematical knowledge to real-world situations.

General Progression

EYFS: Foundation in counting, basic shapes, and simple mathematical concepts through play and exploration.
KS1: Building on the foundation with basic arithmetic, simple problem-solving, and introduction to formal mathematical language.
KS2: Developing fluency and confidence in arithmetic, complex problem-solving, and deeper understanding of mathematical concepts including fractions, geometry, and introductory algebra.

This structured progression ensures that children develop a solid foundation in mathematics, preparing them for the more advanced concepts they will encounter in secondary education and beyond.