Mental Maths

SteveDH · Post by **SteveDH** » Sat May 12, 2007 12:00 pm

Hi
This may be a stupid question... but what is mental Maths.
I always thought it was maths you did in your head without working it out on paper, but now I've heard otherwise.

So what exactly is the definition of mental maths as in next weeks sats paper.

ta
Steve

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Sat May 12, 2007 12:11 pm

Hi SteveDH

Mental Mathematics can be described as any mathematics that does not use a calculator to achieve an answer. The child primarily uses the mind to answer; knowledge based, estimation based or extraction of data based questions. The ability to apply methodology to answering a question, such as writing down a sum and working it out is considered to be a mental as well as a physical function.

The mental element of the KS2 SATS paper consists of a script that is read to the pupils. Each question is read out twice, then the pupils have a set amount of time to answer each question.

Pupils can write down sums and work them out.

The script may also refer to diagrams that are on the answer sheet.

Regards

Mike

SteveDH · Post by **SteveDH** » Sat May 12, 2007 12:47 pm

Thanks, that makes it clearer, just wondering, what is the difference between the mental maths test and the other non calculator test.. unless I've got the difference between the 2 longer maths tests A and B mixed up.

Steve

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat May 12, 2007 12:52 pm

Hi

The non-calculator is a test of reading and interpreting questions rather than listening to a script.

There will be more questions that will need to be worked out using methodology and pen and paper.

Regards

Mike

Guest55 · Post by **Guest55** » Sat May 12, 2007 1:18 pm

For the mental maths all the pupils have in front of them is a sheet with 20 spaces and a few numbers or a diagram. As Mike says the teacher reads the questions or they use the CD provided and there are short time limits e.g. 10 seconds for the answer to be recorded. No-one gets extra time for this,

The non-calculator is a normal paper - the pupils read the questions and answer at their own pace - SEN pupils may get up to 25% extra time, Some will have a reader or a scribe or enlarged question paper for visual impairment.

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Sat May 12, 2007 1:39 pm

Hi Guest55

Could you just clarify on the point about children working at their own pace. Surely, there is a time limit to complete the paper.

Regards

Mike

Guest55 · Post by **Guest55** » Sat May 12, 2007 3:07 pm

Yes there is a time limit but they can spend that time how they wish e.g. not answer the questions in the order on the paper.

In the mental maths if you find one type of question easy and do it in half the time you can't use the gained time for another question. Nor can you leave one out and come back ...