Development and progression in mathematics

This material is for teachers to use as they work with the experiences and outcomes in mathematics and numeracy. It outlines how key mathematical skills and concepts can be securely built and extended within and across the levels.

Within mathematics there are rich opportunities for links among different concepts. These concepts are intertwined with each other rather than being separate ideas to be planned for.  For this reason, the material is grouped under broad headings, not presented through one-to-one connection with individual experiences and outcomes. Through the learning and teaching which they plan, teachers are able to ensure that children and young people will see and understand the connections between the concepts and this will help to support the development of their mathematical thinking and skills.

The spirals are intended to reflect the fact that children and young people develop, consolidate and extend their understanding of mathematical concepts and their mathematical skills through discussing, practising, and applying them in an increasing range of more challenging contexts.

These will need continual reinforcement and revisiting in order to maintain progression.