Halves and quarters
½ and ¼ introduced in Year 1; thirds and other fractions come in KS2.
KS1 fractions are gentle: cutting a shape in half, finding a quarter of a number. Year 2 expects children to find ½ and ¼ of small numbers (mostly within 20).
Worked examples
Half of 10 = 5. Halving = dividing by 2.
Quarter of 12 = 3. Quartering = dividing by 4 (or halving twice).
¾ of 12 = 9. Three quarters means 3 × (1 quarter) = 3 × 3 = 9.
Frequently asked questions
Why do we say ‘a half’ not ‘half a’?
Both are correct UK English; ‘a half’ is the noun form (one half = ½). KS1 uses both interchangeably.
How do we draw a quarter of a shape?
Cut a square or circle into 4 equal pieces. Year 1 expects equal pieces (any shape with the same area). Year 2 introduces non-equivalent groupings to spot.
When do thirds appear?
Year 3 (KS2) introduces ⅓, ⅔ and other unit fractions.