Is the use of calculators allowed for the Maths tests?
The National Numeracy Strategy applies to primary aged children and is an integral part of the National Curriculum. Teachers will use this document alongside other materials when planning the delivery of mathematics to their class. The guidance indicates that calculators SHOULD NOT BE USED IN KEY STAGE 1 (primary years 1 and 2) but that children should be taught to use calculators correctly during Key Stage 2 (years 3 to 6). The key point is that children need to be taught basic number facts and have a good recall of them. Mental calculations or the use of paper and pencil should be conducted wherever possible, to ensure the child has grasped the numerical concepts required to be able to make correct use of the calculator. Your child should be able to estimate an answer when using a calculator or the outcome may be meaningless or wrong. Within schools children are encouraged to learn when it is or is not appropriate to use calculators. In short, CALCULATORS MAY BE USED FOR THE TESTS IN
