Statistics - The Mean (Activity) - Starter

In the provided activity, Year 6 students are engaged in a series of mathematical challenges to test their understanding of various concepts, including fractions, percentages, and data representation. As part of their Summer Term curriculum, they are tasked with a 'Fluent in Four' revision exercise that involves quick mental arithmetic, such as multiplying numbers and solving equations. Additionally, they explore the practical application of maths through a real-life scenario where they analyse how children in Class 5 travelled to school, using different modes of transport. Students must complete a table by converting the number of children using each mode of transport into degrees, reflecting the proportions of a circle, with the total number of children (120) representing a full circle of 360 degrees.

Further exercises require the students to calculate percentages of given numbers, such as finding 15% of 240 and determining the unknown totals when given a percentage of them, like 30% equalling 372. These activities help to reinforce their understanding of percentages and their relation to whole numbers. In another task, they follow the story of Mary, who reads fractions of a book in different settings throughout her day. The students must combine these fractions to determine the total part of the book Mary has read, enhancing their skills in adding fractions with different denominators. The structured approach of the activity ensures that the students practice a variety of mathematical skills in a context that promotes problem-solving and critical thinking.