Mathematics and English progression

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Step 2 Objective

Develop and refine written methods for column addition and subtraction for two whole numbers less then 1000, and addition of more than two such numbers.

Examples of what pupils should know and be able to do

• FTM(P)Y456 p. 48 - Acrobat pdf document (34Kb)
• FTM(P)Y456 p. 50 - Acrobat pdf document (31Kb)

• Column addition and subtraction example of pupils' work - Acrobat pdf document (207Kb)

• Calculations question - Rtf (rich text format) document (84Kb)

Probing questions

Which of these calculations are correct/incorrect? What has this person done wrong? How could you help them correct it?

What tips would you give to someone to help with column addition/subtraction?

What if pupils find this a barrier?

It can be helpful to give pupils some worked examples to mark and to identify mistakes.

At this stage pupils may have a variety of written methods; – ask them to compare methods and discuss which are more efficient.

Pupils may need to work towards column addition by using partial sums, e.g. 287 + 45:

 

See the other methods in FTM(P)Y456 p. 48 - Acrobat pdf document (34Kb) and FTM(P)Y456 p. 50 - Acrobat pdf document (31Kb).

It is important to build on pupils' mental strategies, so keep to informal written methods with pupils explaining what they are doing.

• TL4Y7 Number 1 N1.2, N1.3 - Acrobat pdf document (72Kb) is a very helpful resource.

For guidance on addition and subtraction refer to the document 'The National Numeracy Strategy: Teaching written calculations – guidance for teachers at Key Stages 1 and 2' (QCA/99/486) pp. 25-33.