Darryl has worked in education for almost 15 years and has previously marked the Key Stage 2 maths SATs papers. Darryl spoke exclusively to the SATs Springboard about common mistakes and misconceptions seen on maths SATs papers.

You'll also find links to LbQ resources that can help pupils avoid these pitfalls.

10 common SATs maths mistakes

Calculating with multiples of 10, 100 and 1,000

Scaling answers accurately is still a common problem for many pupils. This is especially true when more than one number in a calculation is a multiple of 10 or when the product of the related fact is a multiple of 10 (e.g. 60 x 500).

Children need to have a secure understanding of place value to be able to multiply or divide by 10, 100 and 1,000 as well as being secure with scaling known facts. The LbQ resources, Multiply and Divide Numbers Including Decimals by 10, 100 and 1,000 and Practise Multiplying Mentally Using Known Table Facts can help pupils overcome this common problem.

Column subtraction

Column subtraction - a minefield of misconceptions! When using column subtraction, children may find the difference between the digits in a column instead of re-grouping. Errors also commonly occur when there are place-holding zeros in the larger number. Children often take the exchanged 1 straight to the column they are working on, missing interim exchanges. Subtract Numbers up to 3 Digits using the Column Method, helps to address these issues.

‘How many more…’ and ‘Find the difference…’ questions

Children are frequently asked to find the difference between two values, but many children struggle to recognise these questions as requiring subtraction, especially out of lesson context. Bar models are particularly useful at helping children to see that they need to use subtraction. Subtract Numbers with More Than 4 Digits, covers this concept.

Unfamiliar representations of fractions

While children may confidently recognize ¾ when dealing with basic shapes, they might face challenges with unfamiliar shapes or patterns. In such cases, they may attempt to draw horizontal or vertical lines or simply shade in three parts of any shape presented to them. It's crucial for children to firmly grasp the concept that the denominator represents 'equal parts' to effectively apply their knowledge.

The Question Set, Understand Unit and Non-Unit Fractions, helps children to understand fractions in a range of contexts.

Interestingly, this is still a big issue in Year 6 classrooms throughout the country in the context of a number line (see related content below).

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Explanations

There’s usually at least one (often dreaded) ‘explain your answer’ question where pupils who struggle to articulate themselves when writing can get themselves into a mess. Pupils often spend a long time attempting to achieve one mark with a wordy explanation full of irrelevant details.

Usually, proving a statement is incorrect using the correct mathematics is good enough. But watch out for incorrect maths: if there’s anything at all mathematically incorrect in the explanation bubble, the mark won’t be awarded (for example, using symbols as part of jottings such as 1 = 5, so 2 = 10).

Interpreting division

Y6 pupils often recognise that a particular word problem requires division. However, many won’t go on to gain any marks - even after a correct calculation - as a result of not interpreting their answer accurately to complete their method (for example, they’ll not round their answer up or down to the nearest whole number).

Sometimes, pupils copy the wrong part of their algorithm to the answer box or will omit some of the digits, again losing marks for doing so. All of LbQ’s division Question Sets contain opportunities for pupils to interpret the answers to their division calculations correctly, receiving feedback where appropriate.

Adding fractions

Another classic - children add the numerators and the denominators. This misconception is challenged in all of LbQ's adding fractions sets such as Add and Subtract Fractions with the Same Denominator.

Converting units of measure

This links to number 1 on the list, but with the additional difficulty of knowing facts such as how many mm are in a cm. Children need to know the equivalences, then know whether to multiply or divide. The Question Set, Convert Between Different Units of Measure, helps children to develop this key skill.

Pictograms

A favourite on tests - the pictogram! Children enjoy them as they are often perceived as ‘easy’ questions. However, many children come unstuck on these questions if they don’t correctly interpret the value of one symbol. As this is located under or next to the main data table, children often miss it and consequently get the questions wrong. The Question Set, Read and Interpret Data using Pictograms, gives children the feedback and opportunities to avoid this common error.

Shape Struggles

Many Year 6 children still only identify regular shapes in standard orientations. A great example of this is the rotated square. Even though it is exactly the same shape with 4 right angles, children often see it as a kite. The Question Sets, Compare and Classify Geometric Shapes  and Practise 2D Shapes, give children lots of opportunities and feedback to secure their understanding of shape.

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