At Findon Primary School there is a strong focus on the teaching and learning of mathematics and numeracy skills. We aim to create confident mathematicians who are effective and adaptive users of maths. Students regularly engage with authentic learning tasks to peak curiosity in all students. They are encouraged to pose questions, solve problems and to think critically when engaged in numeracy activities. Our goal is to provide students with a solid understanding of mathematical concepts, as well as the ability to work proficiently in maths, that creates a solid foundation which can be built upon further, in Secondary School.
We believe that maths is a visual subject and so provide students with the opportunity explore mathematical concepts with use of manipulatives, physical movement, drawing and creating. Students are encouraged to visualise mathematical problems and make their thinking visible to support understanding and the transfer of knowledge. A combination of explicit teaching, open-ended tasks, and direct instruction in the language of mathematics, allows for participation by all students, regardless of ability, and equips students with strategies to help them become successful in maths and numeracy.
Our Maths Curriculum is currently in a transition phase as our school moves from the current Victorian Maths Curriculum 1.0 to the new Victorian Maths Curriculum 2.0, which will come into effect next year. When this happens, the areas of maths covered in each level, in some form, will be Number, Algebra, Measurement, Space, Statistics and Probability.
More information on the changes to the Victorian Maths Curriculum can be found at https://victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au/mathematics/mathematics-version-2-0/introduction/scope-and-sequence
The Victorian Maths Curriculum is used to guide our maths planning, to ensure that all areas of maths and numeracy are developed. Maths at Findon Primary, consists of 5 interactive sessions each week. There are daily opportunities for students to revise current and previous learning, ensuring that their knowledge remains current. Connections between different areas of maths are highlighted as well as a focus on making mathematical connections to other areas of the curriculum such as geography, economics and science.
At Findon Primary School, we use school wide assessment practices, both formative (monitoring) and summative (evaluating) to track and monitor our children’s development in Numeracy. Our rigorous cycle of assessment, support staff to understand where students are placed, and their next point of learning.
Our school offers extension programs in Maths for students exceeding expectations, as well as providing extra support for students when needed. This involves identified students taking part in withdrawal groups for a specified period of time where they have the opportunity to work on their individual goals in a small group environment. They receive targeted teaching at their point of need, whether it be for extra support or further extension of their learning. Students at Findon Primary, also have the opportunity to participate in the annual Australian Mathematics Competition, competing against other students across Australia.