Mathematics

Year 1 is where formal mathematics begins. Children move from counting objects to genuinely understanding number — counting to 100, reading and writing numbers to 20, and building number bonds within 10 and 20 (knowing that 6 and 4 make 10, without having to count on fingers). Addition and subtraction are taught through concrete objects and pictures before any written method, so a child can explain why an answer is correct, not just state it.

Multiplication and division are introduced informally through grouping and sharing — arranging objects into equal groups, doubling numbers, and counting in 2s, 5s and 10s — rather than formal times tables, which come later. Fractions are limited to recognising and finding half and a quarter of shapes and small quantities.

The rest of the year covers comparing lengths, weights, capacities and time using everyday language, recognising coins and notes, telling time to the hour and half hour, and naming common 2D and 3D shapes and their properties.