Six Areas of Mathematics Learning

There are six key areas of early mathematics learning, which collectively provide a platform for everything children will encounter as they progress through their maths learning at primary school, and beyond. The six areas of mathematics learning are: 

Cardinality and Counting

Understanding that the cardinal value of a number refers to the quantity, or ‘howmanyness’ of things it represents

Comparison

Understanding that comparing numbers involves knowing which numbers are worth more or less than each other

Composition

Understanding that one number can be made up from (composed from) two or more smaller numbers

Pattern

Looking for and finding patterns helps children notice and understand mathematical relationships

Shape and Space

Understanding what happens when shapes move, or combine with other shapes, helps develop wider mathematical thinking

Measures

Comparing different aspects such as length, weight and volume, as a preliminary to using units to compare later