Wooranna Park Primary School embeds a whole school approach to the teaching of mathematics, differentiating learning based on student needs. This is guided by the Victorian Curriculum and our whole school Yearly Overview of Mathematics Concepts which outlines what will be explicitly taught at each year level.
We are committed to improving practice in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for all students, where students engage in learning experiences that develop their mathematical skills and knowledge. These experiences include valuable, practical and engaging strategies that help students develop into self-motivated problem solvers.
The teaching of mathematics skills is a program of critical importance and is taught for 5 hours per week, with one hour per day allocated from classroom teaching time. During this time mathematics skills are taught through a maths workshop model which covers the three main areas of mathematics: Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability.
A maths workshop model supports student engagement and growth in the classroom by structuring lessons to include tuning in activities, accessible mathematics tasks, open-ended problem solving, small group instruction, student choice, time for practising important concepts and reflection.
Through teaching the mathematics skills, we believe it is important to incorporate the four proficiency strands of mathematics: understanding, fluency, problem-solving and reasoning. The proficiency strands describe the actions in which students can engage when learning and using the content.
Understanding – Students build a robust knowledge of adaptable and transferable mathematical concepts. They develop an understanding of the relationship between the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of mathematics.
Fluency – Students develop skills in choosing appropriate procedures, carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently and appropriately. Students can calculate efficiently.
Problem-solving - Students develop the ability to make choices, interpret, formulate, model and investigate problem situations, and communicate solutions effectively.
Reasoning - Students develop increased capacity for logical thought and actions, such as analysing, proving, evaluating, explaining, inferring, justifying and generalising.
Feedback is regularly given to students relating specifically to learning intentions/goals and associated success criteria. Feedback helps to reduce the discrepancy between desired outcomes and current understandings in support of students monitoring their own progress and achievements. Teachers also use feedback to reflect on the effectiveness of their teaching, inform future planning and improve teaching practice.
Assessment is integral to teaching and learning and this data is used to drive improvement in teacher practice and student outcomes and report accurately in line with the Victorian Curriculum. At Wooranna Park Primary School we use PAT Math, Essential Assessment and NAPLAN to provide explicit data on strengths and weaknesses for each individual child as well as across cohorts and the whole school. The assessment requirements are captured in our F-6 Documented Summative Assessment Schedule. Teachers may also implement additional formative and summative assessment strategies in support of teaching and learning programs.
