ABSTRACT
The dictionary definition of numeracy is ‘the ability to use numbers especially arithmetical operation’ (Collins English Dictionary 1991).
The National Numeracy Strategy (1999b) states that: ‘Numeracy is a proficiency which involves confidence and competence with numbers and measures’. The Numeracy Strategy lists the skills that a numerate pupil should possess:
• have a sense of the size of a number and where it fits into the number system;
• know by heart, number facts such as number bonds, multiplication tables, doubles and halves;
• use what they know by heart to figure out answers mentally; • calculate accurately and efficiently, both mentally and with pencil
and paper, drawing on a range of calculation strategies; • recognise when it is appropriate to use a calculator, and be able to
do so effectively; • make sense of number problems, including non-routine problems,
and recognise the operations needed to solve them; • explain their methods and reasoning using correct mathematical
terms; • judge whether their answers are reasonable and have strategies for
checking them where necessary; • suggest suitable units for measuring and make sensible estimates
of measurements; • explain and make predictions from the numbers in graphs,
diagrams, charts and tables.
