Maths – Part-part-whole models

Thursday 02 October 2025

In maths, we’ve been learning about part-part-whole models.

A part–part–whole model shows how a number (the whole) can be split into two or more parts.

For example:
If we have 5 apples, we could show that as 3 and 2.

3 is a part.
2 is a part.
5 is the whole.

Why are part-whole models useful?

We’ve been using real objects, pictures and numerals to show different ways to make the whole.

The children have practised describing what they see, helping them to understand that the whole number stays the same, even when split into parts.

Help at home by using everyday items to make different groups and talk about how they combine to make the whole.

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