Mental Arithmetic

Schofield & Sims Mental Arithmetic lies at the heart of I can do maths, providing carefully graded questions that develop pupils' essential mathematics skills and prepare them for all parts of the national tests in maths.

More than mental arithmetic

The term mental arithmetic is usually associated with spoken questions that pupils work out in their heads. However, pupils using Schofield & Sims First Mental Arithmetic (for Key Stage 1) and Mental Arithmetic (for Key Stage 2) read the questions themselves and often use rough paper to calculate their answers, which are written down so that they can be marked later. Schofield & Sims Mental Arithmetic books also incorporate a far wider range of maths topics and skills than is traditionally associated with mental arithmetic, such as problem solving, compound measures and pi.

A personalised maths curriculum

Both First Mental Arithmetic and Mental Arithmetic are based on ability rather than age cohorts so that books can be matched to the needs of every pupil. The two series also support the transitions from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 and from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3 and the differentiated materials provided are ideal for pupils with special educational needs. The workbook format provides a permanent record of achievement and is assessment-linked so that pupils can record their own progress and see their achievements build over time.

A unique three-part approach for all-round maths practice

Every Schofield & Sims Mental Arithmetic book is divided into three sections, each comprising 12 one-page tests presented in a standard format that pupils will quickly become familiar with. Each test is divided into three parts:

• Part A - focuses on the four basic number operations with use of language kept to a minimum
• Part B - introduces number vocabulary, particularly the language associated with the four signs
• Part C - comprises more complex one- and two-step problems involving logical thinking and application of knowledge previously introduced

In addition, all the books feature a 'language of maths' glossary which helps to develop pupils' number vocabulary and their understanding of how to use and apply maths.

Formative assessment

Diagnostic checks, covering key concepts, are also provided for each Mental Arithmetic book. These can be found in the First Mental Arithmetic Teacher's Guide and Mental Arithmetic Teacher's Guide. The checks are intended for use with individuals or groups of pupils who have struggled with the maths concepts in the First Mental Arithmetic or Mental Arithmetic book that they are currently using. Marking keys provide catch-up activities and prompts for each topic that can be used diagnostically to assess pupils' understanding of concepts.