Key Stage 1 Maths – What You Need to Know for 2021
Over the next couple of years, your little one will be developing skills for their educational development in Key Stage 1. This stage is a crucial stage of education development as it is where your child’s early academic skills are beginning to develop.
Your primary school child will be tackling subjects in English, science and maths (and more). Some they will enjoy and some they will struggle with and that’s ok. This is the beginning of their education journey and you as their parent can support their learning and development at home.
At Think Academy, we specialise in Key Stage 1 maths (and Key Stage 2) so we thought it would be helpful for you as a parent to understand what will be happening with your child during this time and what resources are out there to help.
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What is Key Stage 1 Maths?
Key Stage 1 maths to simply put is maths education for children between the ages of five to seven. Children will be learning everything that the government has involved in the curriculum. They will be taught based on a national curriculum (so there are no surprises).
Pupils at this stage will be taught the same information, however, there are different teaching methods to consider. There are four key stages in the UK, these stages reach up to the age of 17 (this is the mandatory education, there are other stages).
Key Stage 1 is the first stage, which is why it is so important as it is the start of education and it is always good to start on a good foot.
Key Stage 1 maths: what is included?
There are various topics that will be included in Key stage 1 maths. The curriculum will include very basic mathematical concepts. This includes counting and a few of the easier times tables.
The main idea throughout Key Stage 1 maths and what your child will be tested on is how to use maths in a practical hands-on way. They are constantly encouraged to use everyday objects to solve problems.
The curriculum encourages pupils to think about what they are using to solve these problems and talk about their methods.
Download for free: Year 1 worksheets
Download for free: Year 2 worksheets
The Key Stage 1 Topics
We have made a list of Key Stage 1 topics. Please note that this is for all UK schools.
- Numbers 0 to 100
- Counting up to 100 (and beyond)
- Number patterns
- Number Bonds
- Odd and even numbers
- Times tables — 2, 5 and 10
- Adding and subtracting
- Learning the use of a number line
- Measuring and weighing
- Angles
- Basic mathematical symbols
- Graphs
- Reading an analogue clock
- Finding a quarter, a third, a half and doubling
- Simple mental maths
- Shapes: 2D and 3D
What are the Key Stage 1 maths SAT’s
For each stage of your child’s education, they will be required to sit for a test. This will be for the purpose of assessing the child’s performance. This will determine your child’s academic ability and if they are ready to move on to the next stage.
As this will be the first test your child will be sitting, it will not be in a ‘normal’ exam environment. They will be taking the test in their classrooms as it may distress some children to sit in a huge hall. Some children may not even realise that they are being assessed.
Please note: From September 2020 Key Stage one SATs will be scrapped. This will be replaced with baseline assessments in Reception. If your child is yet to enter Key Stage 1, they will not sit these papers.
Assisting your Key stage 1 child
You, as a parent play an essential role in your child’s educational path and development. As each child is different especially when it comes to academia, they will need the support and activities to help them strive. This stage will be officially the first taste of formal education.
Throughout the Key Stage 1 phase pupils are taught numerous mathematical concepts and some may find it hard. Your child may excel in one area and have difficulty in another. The best way to support them is by exploring Key stage 1 maths resources out there. Encouraging your child will not be only helpful to them now but later in the future as it will assist them throughout their education.
There are worksheets, games and video all around the web to choose from. These materials can be exhausted to help your child develop. Think Academy has put together a list on what to use for each one, as it can be overwhelming.
Helpful Key Stage 1 Websites
This is an amazing website that allows your children to play games and activities in one place. You can choose the subject and the age you need and you are ready to go
Your child’s favourite show online! What more could they ask for! This is really perfect for Cbeebies fans. It has games and activities around various subjects.
This is also a BBC run website but is a bit more specific in each topic. These topics are those that we spoke of previously. What is great about this is that they specify each key stage your child is on.
Top Free Key Stage 1 Printable Worksheets
This is recommended by schools themselves, with teachers using them in their lessons. There are various worksheets for the topics that are required.
This website has easy access to all topics with free worksheets. It also gives you English worksheets and other subjects.
This website will give you worksheets on subjects including maths, English and science. These include various topics. It is a great help
There are also plenty of other websites you can choose from to help your child. We do also advise on discussing any issues your child has with their teacher. Think Academy of course is also here for those extra lessons.
Use CODE: 247HYP7In5 to redeem £12.00 off Think Academy’s January 2021 maths courses! Enter your code at the checkout here! Give your child a confidence boost in maths and help them to prepare for the 11+ exam, SATs, or simply catch up and make progress in maths!
Perfect for Covid catch-up, KS2 SATs or 11 Plus exam preparation, Think Academy is offering affordable online maths tuition for children at £6.00 (KS1) or £8.00 (KS2) per class. New classes are available for January 2021. Easy-to-use, minimal supervision required.
Read more:
30 Fun Maths Games to Help Kids Learn Maths for Free
Top 50 Home Learning Resources for UK Primary School Maths
What are 2D and 3D Shapes: Understanding the Basics at Key Stage 1
