C Curriculum Explorer
Mathematics·Number Representation & Place Value·conceptual

Negative Numbers

Count backwards through zero to include negative numbers

Suggested ages 8–9

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Learning journey

Your child is working with larger numbers up to 10,000 — understanding place value in four-digit numbers, learning to round numbers, and exploring negative numbers and Roman numerals.

Evidence of understanding

  • Count backwards from 5 through zero: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0, −1, −2 …
  • Place negative numbers on a number line
  • Understand that negative numbers are less than zero and use them in context (e.g. temperature)

Assessment prompt

Can Negative Numbers count backwards past zero into negative numbers — like 3, 2, 1, 0, −1, −2, −3 — without hesitating at zero?

Standards alignment

Ma/KS2/Y4/NPV/3GB · uk-nc-2013

Count backwards through zero

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2