The National Curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately. 

Why is it important to teach number facts?

Automaticity with number facts frees up the working memory to think about other things such as how to solve a more complex problem (Willingham 2009)

Having knowledge of number facts supports pupils to think mathematically as they can use them to reason, see structures and patterns and make connections (Baroody 2006).

Mathematical Fluency at Brookfield

At Brookfield Community Primary School, we take part in the Mastering Number at KS1; a project that aims to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense for all children from Reception through to Year 1 and Year 2.

In Year 4 and Year 5, we also deliver Mastering Number at KS2 which is a project that enables pupils to develop fluency in multiplication and division facts and a confidence and flexibility with number that exemplifies good number sense. Knowledge of multiplication and division and its applications forms the single most important aspect of the KS2 curriculum and is the gateway to success at secondary school.