KS2 Subtraction Assessment | Cold Task

Assess pupils’ understanding of subtraction quickly and effectively with this ready-to-use KS2 assessment lesson. Designed to be used at the start of a new topic, this resource helps teachers identify pupils’ current understanding, misconceptions and gaps in knowledge to inform future teaching.

The lesson begins with a PowerPoint revisiting key subtraction methods and representations before pupils complete a cold assessment task independently. The accompanying worksheet allows teachers to clearly see which strategies pupils are confident with and where additional support or teaching is needed.

This resource can also be reused at the end of a unit to measure progress and demonstrate learning over time.

Included:

PowerPoint introducing subtraction concepts and different calculation methods

Mental, pictorial and formal written subtraction approaches

Cold assessment worksheet for pupils to complete independently

Opportunities to identify misconceptions and next teaching steps

Suitable for both baseline and end-of-topic assessment

Perfect for supporting formative assessment, planning targeted lessons and gaining a clear picture of pupils’ mathematical understanding with minimal preparation required.

A practical assessment tool that helps you teach smarter — not harder.