Numeracy

At St Mary’s College, Mathematics aims to be relevant and applicable to the 21st century. Within the Mathematics Curriculum content strands of:

• Number and Algebra,
• Measurement and Geometry, and
• Statistics and Probability,

we include a focus on the proficiencies of:

• understanding,
• fluency,
• problem-solving, and
• reasoning,

to ensure that student learning and independence are at the centre of the curriculum. These proficiencies enable students to respond to familiar and unfamiliar situations by employing mathematical strategies to make informed decisions and solve problems efficiently. Our school data informs our teaching and learning.

We encourage students to be critical, creative, and collaborative thinkers when solving problems. Our numeracy sessions are developed to strengthen students’ resilience and curiosity.

In our numeracy dedicated time, we use individual differentiation and conferencing, small groups, collaborative groupings, and whole class investigations to encourage a safe and supported child-centred learning environment. As well as the explicit teaching of specific concepts, we also use pedagogical approaches, such as Launch, Explore, Summarise to encourage students to problem solve using different strategies and to develop independence and mastery. Launch, Explore, Summarise creates a dynamic and thought-provoking problem-solving experience for all students.

During mathematical sessions, students are encouraged to use concrete materials, environmental print and anchor charts around the classroom, note taking, and collaborative conversations to develop a better sense of mathematical problem solving. Students are encouraged to explain their thinking, reasoning and to show their strategies used to demonstrate their understanding using mathematical language.