Co-ordinator: Kay Bishop
Mathematics influences everyday personal, study and work situations. Learning mathematics involves building upon previous mathematical skills and understandings, making connections between mathematical ideas and generalising to form new ideas. Mathematical learning experiences provide an opportunity for students to develop their skills and understandings and apply these to other strands as well as to everyday life situations.
At Bayswater West Primary School, students are provided with opportunities to experience success as mathematicians, through a variety of activities including skills development, solving real life problems, open ended questions, and participating in maths games.
Daily numeracy programs provide all students with the opportunity to access mathematical experiences in order to:
- Develop an understanding of the role mathematics plays in the functioning of our society
- Develop positive attitudes towards mathematics
- Develop mathematical connections and be able to apply mathematical concepts, skills and processes in posing and solving mathematical problems
- Develop confidence in their personal knowledge of mathematics, be confident to apply knowledge, build upon prior knowledge and be able to acquire new knowledge and skills
- Learn to communicate mathematically
- Access appropriate materials to support the development of their mathematical understandings
- Develop thinking skills directed towards explaining, understanding and using mathematical concepts, structures and materials
- Use ICT as a tool to develop and create mathematical skills and understandings
At Bayswater West Primary School, we have introduced a support program called "Extending Mathematical Understandings" which is a small group teaching program tailored specifically for students in Grade One who need targeted teaching to enable them to and fully understand and feel confident with crucial mathematical skills and concepts.