This policy contains the key written methods of calculation for all four operations as well as progression in fractions and times tables that will be taught throughout the school. The overall aim is that when children leave Capel they:

• have a secure knowledge of number facts and a good understanding of the four operations;
• make use of diagrams and informal notes to help record steps and part answers when using mental methods that generate more information than can be kept in their heads;
• have an efficient, reliable, formal, written method of calculation for each operation that they can apply with confidence when undertaking calculations that they cannot carry out mentally

We encourage children at Capel le Ferne Primary to independently select the most appropriate methods by asking themselves:

'Can I do this in my head?'

'Can I do this in my head using drawings or jottings?'

'Do I need to use a written method?'

Although the main focus of this policy is on formal written methods it is important to recognise that the ability to calculate mentally lies at the heart of numeracy as in every written method there is an element of mental processing.