Properties of Shape - Calculate Angles - Starter

As part of the Summer Term curriculum for Year 6, students are presented with a variety of mathematical challenges to enhance their problem-solving skills. They begin by tackling a number-based puzzle where they must add together thousands, hundreds, and ones, and then subtract a value from tens to find the correct sum. The exercise not only reinforces their understanding of place value but also tests their ability to perform multi-step calculations. Additionally, students are tasked with calculating missing angles, a fundamental aspect of geometry. They are given angles of a triangle and must use their knowledge of the properties of shapes to determine the unknown angles, ensuring they understand that the sum of angles in a triangle always totals 180 degrees.

Real-life application of maths is also emphasised in the starter activities. Students are asked to calculate the median price of House C, given the prices of House A and House B. This exercise requires them to find the average of two sums, encouraging them to apply their arithmetic skills in a practical context. In another scenario, pupils explore ratios and proportions by determining how many pumpkins a farmer plants in relation to carrots, and then they calculate the total number of vegetables planted. This task not only solidifies their understanding of ratios but also introduces them to the concept of scaling in real-world situations. The use of a bar model is suggested to help visualise and solve the problem, promoting a strategic approach to mathematical reasoning.