2 & 3 Digit Subtraction Using Partitioning Numeracy Assessment: Year 3 supports your students in demonstrating their understanding of place value through efficient subtraction strategies. This resource is designed to assess students' ability to subtract two- and three-digit numbers using partitioning methods and explain their mathematical thinking.

This assessment is suitable for both formative and summative purposes and works well during whole-class teaching, small group work or intervention. A detailed, editable Australian Curriculum-aligned rubric is included to support consistent assessment, along with an answer sheet for fast marking.

2 & 3 Digit Subtraction Using Partitioning Numeracy Assessment: Year 3 features a range of tasks designed to capture student understanding. Students begin by solving subtraction problems using partitioning, deconstructing numbers into hundreds, tens and ones. Tasks are varied to include regrouping and non-regrouping problems.

Students also identify and correct errors in subtraction problems, demonstrating their understanding of place value and regrouping. A final word problem encourages students to write a number sentence and solve using a partitioning strategy—linking skills to real-world application and structured reasoning.

Throughout, students are encouraged to explain their thinking, strengthening mathematical communication. This assessment offers insight into each student’s understanding of place value and flexibility with subtraction strategies, and can be easily adapted to suit a range of learners.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Subtract two- and three-digit numbers using partitioning
• ✅ Break numbers into hundreds, tens and ones using place value
• ✅ Identify and correct errors in subtraction
• ✅ Solve word problems using number sentences and strategies
• ✅ Explain mathematical thinking clearly

What’s Included:

• Student assessment worksheet with subtraction tasks
• Editable teacher rubric aligned to the Australian Curriculum
• Answer sheet for efficient marking

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheets
• Pencils and erasers
• Base-10 blocks or place value charts (optional)

How to Use:

• Review partitioning strategies prior to the task.
• Model subtraction using place value charts or base-10 materials.
• Guide students through one example to clarify expectations.
• Allow independent completion of each section.
• Use the rubric to assess accuracy, fluency and reasoning.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a pre- or post-assessment in a subtraction unit
• 💡 Implement in small groups to target specific needs
• 💡 Add to student portfolios to show progression
• 💡 Support conversations during reporting or interviews

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Discuss common subtraction mistakes before the assessment
• 💛 Encourage clear partitioning steps in written responses
• 💛 Use physical manipulatives to support understanding
• 💛 Strategy Comparison: Have students try two methods and reflect
• 💛 Create Your Own: Students write and solve peer-submitted word problems

2 & 3 Digit Subtraction Using Partitioning Numeracy Assessment: Year 3 is a practical and flexible way to assess students' subtraction skills using place value knowledge and partitioning strategies. It helps you capture student thinking and guide your next steps in teaching.