New Revised NERDC Primary 4 Mathematics Scheme of Work

The New Revised NERDC Primary 4 Mathematics Scheme of Work provides a structured framework for teaching mathematics in Nigerian primary schools. This scheme of work aligns with the latest educational standards set by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council.
Teachers can use this guide to plan lessons, track progress, and ensure students master key mathematical concepts throughout the academic year.
The scheme of work divides mathematics content into three terms, each lasting 13 weeks. Each term covers specific topics in number and numeration, basic operations, mensuration, geometry, and statistics. This organized approach helps teachers deliver consistent, quality instruction while meeting curriculum requirements.
Teachers benefit from clear weekly breakdowns that show what to teach and when. The scheme of work includes performance objectives, learning activities, and recommended teaching resources for each lesson. This structure makes lesson planning simpler and more effective.
The content builds progressively from basic concepts to more complex skills. Students start with whole numbers and fractions, then move to operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Later topics include money, measurement, shapes, and data representation through bar graphs.
This comprehensive guide supports both new and experienced teachers in delivering mathematics lessons. The scheme of work ensures all curriculum topics are covered within the school year. Teachers can adapt activities to suit their classroom needs while maintaining alignment with NERDC standards.
Table of Contents
Why This Scheme of Work Matters for Teachers
The Primary 4 Mathematics Scheme of Work gives teachers a clear roadmap for the entire school year. Without this structure, planning lessons becomes harder and topics might get missed or rushed. Teachers know exactly what to cover each week and can prepare materials in advance.
This scheme of work improves teaching quality by providing specific performance objectives for each lesson. Teachers can measure student progress against clear benchmarks rather than guessing if learners understand. The objectives help track which students need extra support and which concepts require more time.
Learning activities included in the scheme of work make lessons more engaging and practical. Instead of only using textbooks, teachers guide students through hands-on tasks that bring mathematics to life. Students learn better when they can touch, count, and manipulate real objects while solving problems.
The scheme of work also suggests affordable teaching resources that most schools already have. Teachers don’t need expensive equipment to deliver effective lessons. Simple items like counters, play money, rulers, and everyday objects help students grasp abstract mathematical concepts through concrete experiences.
General Objectives of the Primary 4 Mathematics Scheme of Work
The Primary 4 Mathematics Scheme of Work aims to build strong numeracy skills that students use in daily life. Students learn to count, calculate, measure, and interpret data with confidence. These objectives prepare learners to handle money, tell time, measure objects, and solve practical problems they encounter outside school.
The scheme of work develops critical thinking by teaching students to analyze problems and find solutions. Mathematics becomes a tool for reasoning rather than just memorizing formulas. Students learn to estimate, check their work, and understand when answers make sense in real situations.
Building self-confidence in mathematics is another key objective. Many students fear math, but this scheme of work uses gradual progression and practical activities to reduce anxiety. Success with simpler tasks builds the confidence needed to tackle more challenging concepts.
The scheme of work promotes positive attitudes toward mathematics by connecting topics to real life. When students see how math applies to shopping, cooking, building, and playing, they appreciate its value. This approach helps students understand that mathematics is useful, not just a school subject to pass.
Scientific literacy and data analysis skills are woven throughout the scheme of work. Students learn to read charts, interpret information, and present findings. These competencies prepare them for higher education and informed citizenship in an increasingly data-driven world.
Importance of These General Objectives
These general objectives shape how teachers approach every lesson in the Primary 4 Mathematics Scheme of Work. Each weekly topic contributes to at least one objective, ensuring the curriculum serves a clear purpose. Teachers can explain to students why they’re learning specific concepts and how they’ll use them.
The objectives also guide assessment practices throughout the scheme of work. Teachers evaluate not just whether students can calculate correctly but whether they understand concepts deeply enough to apply them. This focus on competency over memorization produces students who can use mathematics flexibly in new situations.
Overview of Primary 4 Mathematics Scheme of Work Content Coverage
| Week | Topic | Content (Knowledge and Skill) | Performance Objectives | Key Competencies and Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | ||||
| 1 | Whole Numbers | Counting, writing, adding, subtracting up to millions; basic computation | Count and write numbers up to 1,000,000; perform simple addition and subtraction | Numeracy skills; critical thinking |
| 2 | Whole Numbers (Contd.) | Place value, ordering numbers, Roman numerals up to 1000 | Determine place values and order numbers; write Roman numerals up to M | Problem-solving; positive attitude |
| 3 | Whole Numbers (Contd.) | LCM and HCF of 2-digit numbers, prime numbers | Compute LCM and HCF; identify prime numbers | Scientific literacy; data analysis |
| 4 | Whole Numbers (Extra) | Review with practical applications | Solve mixed problems involving whole numbers | Self-confidence; connections with subjects |
| 5 | Fractions | Types of fractions; basic operations | Identify fraction types; solve simple problems | Critical thinking; numeracy |
| 6 | Fractions (Extra) | Addition/subtraction of fractions | Add and subtract fractions; apply to scenarios | Problem-solving; positive attitude |
| 7 | Mid-Term Break | – | – | – |
| 8 | Addition and Subtraction | Adding/subtracting numbers and decimals | Add and subtract multi-digit numbers and decimals | Numeracy; critical thinking |
| 9 | Addition and Subtraction (Contd.) | Practice with larger numbers | Solve problems accurately | Self-confidence; scientific literacy |
| 10 | Addition and Subtraction (Contd.) | Word problems | Interpret and solve word problems | Problem-solving; data interpretation |
| 11 | Revision | – | – | – |
| 12 | Examination | – | – | – |
| 13 | Examination, Marking & Vacation | – | – | – |
| Second Term | ||||
| 1 | Addition and Subtraction (Extra) | Advanced word problems with decimals | Handle complex scenarios | Critical thinking; positive attitude |
| 2 | Multiplication (1) | Multiplying up to 3-digits | Multiply 2-3 digit numbers | Numeracy; problem-solving |
| 3 | Multiplication (2) | Multiplication with decimals | Multiply decimals; solve problems | Scientific literacy; connections |
| 4 | Multiplication (Extra) | Word problems and review | Solve multi-step problems | Self-confidence; data analysis |
| 5 | Division | Dividing numbers and decimals | Perform division of multi-digit numbers | Critical thinking; numeracy |
| 6 | Division (Extra) | Division word problems | Solve problems with remainders | Problem-solving for real life |
| 7 | Mid-Term Break | – | – | – |
| 8 | Estimation | Approximating numbers and measurements | Approximate and estimate measurements | Everyday numeracy; critical thinking |
| 9 | Open Sentence | Number systems in expressions | Detect missing numbers | Problem-solving; positive attitude |
| 10 | Money 1 | Money problems with addition/subtraction | Solve logical money problems | Real-life application; numeracy |
| 11 | Revision | – | – | – |
| 12 | Examination | – | – | – |
| 13 | Examination, Marking & Vacation | – | – | – |
| Third Term | ||||
| 1 | Money 2 | Advanced money problems; budgeting | Handle multi-operation money problems | Critical thinking; scientific literacy |
| 2 | Length | Measuring and converting lengths | Solve mensuration problems on length | Numeracy; problem-solving |
| 3 | Weight | Weighing and units of weight | Measure and compare weights | Real-life application; data interpretation |
| 4 | Time | Telling time, conversions, scheduling | Read clocks and solve time problems | Critical thinking; positive attitude |
| 5 | Area | Calculating area of shapes | Find areas of rectangles/squares | Scientific literacy; numeracy |
| 6 | Area (Extra) | Word problems on area | Solve real-life area problems | Problem-solving; connections |
| 7 | Mid-Term Break | – | – | – |
| 8 | Capacity | Measuring volumes | Solve capacity problems | Everyday numeracy; critical thinking |
| 9 | Plane Shapes | Lines of symmetry, cardinal points | Differentiate 2-D from 3-D shapes | Self-confidence; data analysis |
| 10 | Three Dimensional Shapes | Symmetry and differences in 3-D | Identify 3-D features | Problem-solving; positive attitude |
| 11 | Revision | – | – | – |
| 12 | Examination | – | – | – |
| 13 | Examination, Marking & Vacation | – | – | – |
The Primary 4 Mathematics Scheme of Work follows a logical sequence that builds mathematical competence throughout the year.
The first term establishes foundational understanding of numbers and basic operations, the second term extends these operations while introducing measurement concepts, and the third term focuses on practical applications through mensuration and geometry. This progression ensures students master simpler concepts before advancing to complex ones.
Each theme connects naturally to learning outcomes and specific topics within the scheme of work. Number and numeration forms the base, with whole numbers and fractions providing the foundation for all calculations. Basic operations build on this foundation, teaching students how to manipulate numbers through addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Mensuration topics like length, weight, time, area, and capacity show students how to apply mathematics to measuring the world around them.
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