As part of this first year of cours moyen (CM1), marking the start of cycle 3, mathematics is studied for 5h per week (the second most important subject after the 8h of French). While this class serves to deepen the teachings of cycle 2, it also introduces new techniques such as division…
The CM1 curriculum
Mathematics lessons in CM1 are organised around 4 key areas:
- Numbers and calculation: using and representing whole and decimal numbers, simple fractions, doing mental calculations (addition and multiplication tables), written calculations (4 operations) and calculator use, solving problems…
- Space and geometry: learning geometric relationships and properties (axial symmetry, midpoint of a segment, alignment…), using instruments and techniques, describing, enlarging and reducing flat shapes or solids while respecting their proportions, solving related problems.
- Quantities and measurements: working with lengths, masses, volumes, areas, angles, telling time, durations, currency (describing, comparing, using and solving concrete problems)…
- Organising and managing data: sorting data, classifying it, producing tables and graphs, understanding proportionality (rule of three)…
End-of-year expectations for CM1 in Mathematics
By the end of the CM1 year in mathematics, a student uses, represents and calculates large whole numbers as well as decimal numbers, compares them, orders them, brackets them, locates them, and can solve problems involving simple fractions and proportionality.
In terms of data organisation, they build representations (tables, diagrams and Cartesian graphs). In quantities and measurements, a CM1 student can use vocabulary, compare, estimate and measure quantities with whole and decimal numbers (length, area, volume, angle) and solve related problems.
In terms of space and geometry, they can find their way around a plan or a map and code movements in familiar spaces. They can describe simple or complex shapes (triangles, quadrilaterals, circles…) and recognise and use relationships of perpendicularity and parallelism.
To find out more about the end-of-CM1 expectations in mathematics, click here!
