In the new Maths Programme of Study for Year 3, Fractions are now a section all on their own, rather than being with Division or Number. Here are the latest statutory requirements: Fractions Pupils should be taught to: •    count up and down in tenths; recognise that tenths arise from dividing an object into 10 equal parts and in dividing one-digit numbers or quantities by 10. •    recognise, find and write fractions of a discrete set of objects: unit fractions and non-unit fractions with small denominators. •    recognise and use fractions as numbers: unit fractions and non-unit fractions with small denominators. •    recognise and show, using diagrams, equivalent fractions with small denominators. •    add and subtract fractions with the same denominator within one whole (e.g. 5/7 + 1/7 = 6/7). •    compare and order unit fractions, and fractions with the same denominators. •    solve problems that involve all of the above. What’s new and comments for Year 3 fractions There are two main changes in the new targets for this category. Firstly, children are now expected to work with tenths, connecting tenths to place value, decimal measures and division by 10. This is a key target and very important if children are going to really understand place value and decimals. Secondly, children are expected to add and subtract fractions with the same denominator. Whilst this is quite an easy task, it is important for children to understand the processes involved e.g. to understand why the bottom number (denominator) stays the same. Understanding equivalent fractions is the key to understanding most work with fractions. Children will also be expected to solve problems involving their knowledge of fractions, including recognising fractions as part of a whole, numbers and shapes. Go to Year 3 Fractions