In the renewed "Primary Framework for Mathematics" for England, great emphasis is given to calculation and its prerequisites (DfES, 2006). Expectations are increased for calculations and the recall of number facts, with mental calculation owning a higher profile, while progression in written calculation is clarified. The greater focus on efficient and accurate calculation, based on knowing and understanding number bonds and operations, cardinal and ordinal aspects of number, and the decimal number system itself, makes for certain priorities: (1) a comprehensive understanding of concepts and processes, involving a carefully sequenced step-by-step progression of learning; (2) thoroughness of learning to ensure completeness of mental storage and retrieval; and (3) sufficient frequency of practice to ensure speedy recall. Yet, how can the knowledge, understanding and learning of all the processes and of the number bonds be secured efficiently for the pupils? In order to provide for the visualisation, interest and manipulation which support learning, the author discusses the use of "Stern" apparatus as the most comprehensive, the most essentially mathematical in concept, and having the most careful guidance among several structural systems. Here, the author describes how the "Stern" apparatus can help to achieve the goals of the renewed primary mathematics framework. (Contains 6 figures and 4 resources.)