National 1 Numeracy
National 1 Number Skills: practical numeracy support
Respectful, age-neutral visual tasks for learners who benefit from short instructions, real objects, repetition and flexible communication.
Qualifications Scotland defines National 1 as standalone units rather than a single course. This independent CfE Maths Hub pathway groups the ten official Number Skills units into one practical route; it is not an official assessment and is not endorsed by Qualifications Scotland or SQA.
Check the official National 1 unit documentsFull support
Adult models or guides the task.
Some support
Adult gives prompts or reminders.
Independent
Learner completes the task without help.
Skill cards
Official National 1 Number Skills
Recognise numbers, use a calculator, add and subtract, handle money and information, identify shape, read time, and explore length, weight and volume through practical tasks.
Number Skills: Recognising Numbers
Number recognition
Recognise whole numbers from 0 to 20 and order numbers from 0 to 10.
Practical task: Match numerals 0 to 5.
Number Skills: Number Processes
Number processes
Count, add and subtract whole numbers in short practical tasks.
Practical task: Count in order from 0 to 10.
Number Skills: Using a Calculator
Using a calculator
Use calculator keys to add or subtract two whole numbers.
Practical task: Find the + key.
Group A
Group B
Number Skills: Number Processes
Counting and matching
Count objects and match groups with the same amount.
Practical task: Count 3 counters.
Red circle
Blue square
Red circle
Number Skills: Handling Information
Sorting and comparing
Sort objects by colour, shape or size.
Practical task: Sort by colour.
Circle
Square
Triangle
Rectangle
Cube
Sphere
Cylinder
Number Skills: Shape
Shape recognition
Recognise, match and find common shapes.
Practical task: Find a circle.
Number Skills: Time
Time and daily routines
Use simple time language with daily routines.
Practical task: Sort morning, afternoon and evening cards.
UK coins and notes
Number Skills: Handling Money
Money recognition
Recognise UK coins and banknotes, then choose money to pay for an item.
Practical task: Recognise 1p, 2p, 5p and 10p.
half
kg
Supports Number Skills: Measurement of Length, Measurement of Weight and Measurement of Volume
Simple measure
Compare length, mass and capacity using real tools.
Practical task: Choose a ruler, scales or jug.
Apples
Bananas
Pears
Number Skills: Handling Information
Simple data and choices
Count picture choices and answer most, least and how many questions.
Practical task: Count votes for apples.
Clearly separated
Optional support and preparation
These activities can support routines, pattern awareness and evidence recording, but they are not presented as official National 1 Number Skills outcomes.
Fewer
More
Optional support and preparation
Bigger, smaller and same
Compare groups and objects using simple language.
Practical task: Compare two groups.
Optional support and preparation
Pattern and sequencing
Copy, continue and order simple patterns or routines.
Practical task: Copy an AB pattern.
Optional support and preparation
Practical classroom evidence
Record what the learner can do in real classroom activity.
Practical task: Use photo evidence.
How to use this pathway
LearnersChoose one skill and respond by tapping, pointing, speaking, matching, AAC or practical action.
AdultsModel with familiar objects, reduce the choices if needed, repeat in a real setting and record the support used.
Next stepRepeat securely in another context. Move towards National 2 only when that progression is appropriate for the learner.