At CSPS, the goal of our numeracy program is to promote a love of mathematics while simultaneously developing mathematics skills in a structured and supportive environment. We aim to achieve this by developing each student’s ability to understand and apply reasoning, fluency and critical thinking to everyday experiences. As part of our approach to teaching mathematics, teachers use diagnostic assessments to determine what the students already know and plan for differentiated teaching. They conduct small group and individual conferences to target students’ learning needs, including scaffolding, clarifying misconceptions and extension. Throughout teaching units, teachers collect observations to determine individual learning needs which then informs future teaching and planning of mathematical concepts.
Learning in mathematics centres around 4 key proficiencies: Understanding, Fluency, Problem Solving and Reasoning, working interchangeably to develop mathematical thinking. The proficiencies are fundamental to the learning process. These 4 proficiencies outlined in the Victorian Curriculum are applied across all three strands Number & Algebra, Measurement & Geometry, and Statistics and Probability.
Understanding is supported through explicit teaching, vocabulary and targeted conferences.
Fluency is supported through daily mental mathematics.
Reasoning and Problem Solving are supported through Number Talks (a Department of Education initiative where students use their receptive and expressive language skills to build the understanding of mathematical concepts) and open-ended activities.
In 2021, two Primary Mathematics and Science Specialists (PMSS) were appointed. This Education Department initiative has allowed for the PMSS to provide professional development, mentoring and coaching for all teaching staff, to further enhance the delivery of mathematics curriculum throughout CSPS.
At CSPS, we provide various opportunities to students for extension in mathematics including through the Maths Olympiad program, G.A.T.E.W.A.Y.S and masterclass programs run through Virtual School Victoria.
The Maths Olympiad program is a competition for students aged 8-14 which encourages students to solve mathematical problems creatively. G.A.T.E.W.A.Y.S is an external program that facilitates high ability students through a challenging and enriching program where students have opportunities to collaborate on mathematical tasks with other ‘like-minded’ thinkers. Similarly, Virtual Schools Victoria, supports schools to extend and challenge their high ability students with weekly extension mathematics programs, with a new group starting termly.
Two Numeracy Captains are included in the Student Leadership Team, who work to promote our mathematics program to the school community.