Mathematics
Our Vision for Mathematics
At St Simon’s we believe that it is essential to equip our students with mathematical knowledge, understanding, skills and a positive attitude. We will empower them to become confident, competent and critical thinkers, enabling them to make connections in a world as yet unknown to them.
What is Mathematics?
Mathematics provides students with access to important mathematical ideas, knowledge and skills that they will draw on in their personal lives. Furthermore students are seen as lifelong learners, the curriculum provides the basis on which further study and research in mathematics and applications in many other fields are built. (Victorian Curriculum Rationale).
What is Numeracy?
The term Numeracy is used to mean effectively using mathematics in everyday situations. A thorough grounding in mathematics is vital for the development of numeracy. Being numerate enables adults to function effectively in their everyday lives. A large variety of personal contexts involve numeracy, such as routine activities such as shopping, to tasks where a greater range of numeracy skills maybe required, for example, planning a birthday party.
The Victorian Curriculum
At St Simon’s Primary school, we are guided by the Victorian Curriculum framework and address the three Mathematical strands and the four proficiencies as outlined in the Mathematical curriculum.
- Number and Algebra
- Measurement and Geometry
- Statistics and Probability
The four proficiencies:
- Understanding
- Fluency
- Problem Solving
- Reasoning
At Simon’s we strive to achieve the following in the teaching and learning of Mathematics at our school:
Curriculum Design
we see:
- students that are engaged in authentic rich tasks that are achievable and challenging for all.
- sequential curriculum where a progression of understandings and concepts are developed from Foundation to 6.
Teaching and Learning, Student Interaction
we see:
- students that are not only confident and engaged but see themselves as mathematicians in a positive learning environment.
- a dedicated School Mathematics Leader supporting and working with students in small focus groups.
- open ended tasks that cater for collaborative group work and peer learning.
- students having the opportunity to self-reflect and develop individual understandings.
- a School Mathematics Leader/Mentor/tutor to support both students and teachers in the classroom setting.
Parents and Community
we see:
- parents as positive partners in learning.
- parents and the community as an essential resource for making mathematics relevant and real.
- parents who are informed about contemporary teaching and learning of mathematics.
Assessment
we see:
- assessment as purposeful, effective and clearly defined.
- peer, group and self-assessment tasks.
- a variety of assessment forms that cater for all individual learning styles.
- tracking tools that will inform teachers of student’s individual progress from Foundation to 6.
Learning Outcomes and Measures
we see:
- all ability groups catered for through comprehensive testing (pre and post testing), the use of PAT Maths test, SINE and Naplan results.
- students are focused, hands on tasks which excite and engage them.
- explicit and achievable expectations articulated by staff and students.