Mathematics
We believe the learning of Mathematics is critical for day to day living. Mathematics introduces students to concepts, skills and thinking strategies that are essential in everyday life and supports learning across the curriculum.
It helps students make sense of the numbers, patterns and shapes they see in the world around them, offers ways of handling data in an increasingly digital world and makes a crucial contribution to their development as successful learners.
Problem solving is an important aspect to mathematics as it strengthens students’ thinking skills. This can be done through: deductive reasoning (to work through a problem logically and systematically) or inductive reasoning (a process in which students look for patterns and find generalisations). At other times problem solving requires students to think creatively, divergently and imaginatively. Students are encouraged to try out different approaches to solve problems.
Students explore and explain their ideas using symbols, diagrams and spoken and written language. Studying mathematics stimulates curiosity, fosters creativity and equips children with the skills they need in life beyond school.
Mathematics is taught for a minimum of 5 hours per week. Lessons are hands on and relevant to real-life, and are differentiated to suit the ability of students. The lessons are explicit and students use a range of concrete materials to assist in their understanding. Students are also enrolled in Mathletics, an interactive website that students can also log into at home.
The mathematics curriculum is organised by the three strands of Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Problem solving is also an important element to our Mathematics program.