* An episode from a 3-D animated soap opera which is set on board the luxury cruise ship SS Mathematical, where the human Number Crew (Fiz, Flo, Bradley, Baby Bunting and their parents Ted and Mirabelle) look after the needs of 20 charming but demanding animal passengers. In each episode, the Number Crew encounter a problem which can only be solved by the application of mathematical knowledge and skills. Viewers are encouraged to help the Number Crew identify the concept at the heart of the problem, develop strategies and skills to solve it, then sail on into untroubled waters.

* One or two songs about the mathematical idea on which the programme is focused. Songs are an infectious form of rote learning so children can learn the mathematical facts by heart; others explore the rule or principle behind the programme. If nothing else, the songs are fun to hear and fun to sing.

* 2-D animation is used to illustrate the songs or calculations, showing the maths within each programme in an entertaining way. Being visible on screen the maths becomes clear, explicit and memorable.

* Real-life examples in which number knowledge and skills are acquired and applied. These demonstrate the connection between maths and life and include home, school, parks, shops and other out-of-school locations. These sequences are stylish, set to music, and relevant to children.

* Living Numbers: children who 'become' numbers, number sequences and calculations and act out the maths. In this way the living numbers help make the maths clear and fun, and illustrate links between Maths and PE games. They also show that children can experience maths with their whole body as well as their minds.

* Studio sequences in a spectacular seaside set. These link all the other elements together. The presenter, Matthew Lyons, leads the viewers through the maths. He uses song, demonstration and explanation to make the maths clear and direct. Different parts of the set illustrate different types of mathematical learning. For example, the number lines children have in the classroom are reflected in our Number Line - but on a grand scale, like a world of numbers theme park. As Matthew drives up and down the Number Line or investigates the Number Square in his Number Car, he explores the number system in exactly the way a teacher might - but using all the resources of television that are at his disposal. Similarly, the Quiz Set, or the 'Try Your Skill' Booth is where Matthew, playing 'What's That Number?', encourages the development of quick mental skills that modern maths teaching expects of children.