First Mental Arithmetic 1

First Mental Arithmetic provides rich and varied practice to develop pupils’ essential maths skills at Key Stage 1 and prepare them for all aspects of the national tests. 

Closely linked to the Key Stage 1 maths curriculum, each book contains test sessions presented in a unique three-part format comprising:

• questions using pictures or simplified language
• questions using relevant mathematical vocabulary and symbols
• word problems or questions that test understanding of mathematical concepts. 

Structured according to ability rather than age, the series allows children to work at their own pace, building confidence and fluency. Two Entry Tests are available in the First Mental Arithmetic Teacher’s Guide and on the Schofield & Sims website, enabling teachers, parents and tutors to select the appropriate book for each child. All the books can be used flexibly for individual, paired, group and whole-class maths practice, as well as for homework and one-to-one intervention.

First Mental Arithmetic 1 is aimed at pupils in Year 1 and includes 11 double-spread sessions covering the key subject areas of number, measurement and geometry, including addition, subtraction, money, 2-D shapes, counting patterns, positon and word problems. Regular Check-up Tests identify gaps in understanding, while a Language of Maths glossary at the start of each book helps develop children’s number vocabulary. A separate accompanying answer book, First Mental Arithmetic 1 Answers, contains answers to all the questions, making marking simple. Online answers are also available on the Schofiield & Sims website.