Mathematics
At Wales Street Primary School students are encouraged to develop their understanding of the proficiencies in mathematics of reasoning, understanding, fluency and problem solving. These capabilities help students to use mathematics to make informed decisions and solve problems.
Students develop their fluency and understanding of number and algebra, statistics and probability and measurement and geometry through using a range of hands on materials and digital technologies to help them work flexibly with numbers as they progress through their schooling. Teaching staff facilitate “number talks” that allow students to develop their reasoning skills and explain the mathematical strategies they are using to their peers. They are encouraged to recognise there is no one correct way to solve a math problem but that many possible processes can be used to arrive at an answer.
Students practise their problem solving skills by engaging in challenging math tasks that support and encourage students to work in “the zone of discomfort”. In doing so, students learn that deeper learning comes from working through problems both independently and collaboratively with their peers. Students have the opportunity to learn from their peers and teachers by working in both whole class and small group structures.
As students consolidate their knowledge of mathematics they are encouraged to see themselves as “mathematicians”, enabling them to develop an enthusiastic attitude when exploring and learning about mathematics. Through the PYP IB they are facilitated to engage in authentic experiences through the Program of Inquiry that allow them to construct meaning of their knowledge, apply their understanding and transfer this meaning to other areas.
The IB Mathematics curriculum
Mathematics provides students with access to important mathematical ideas, knowledge and skills that they will draw on in their personal and work lives. The curriculum also provides students, as lifelong learners, with the basis on which further study and research in mathematics and applications in many other fields are built. The Mathematics curriculum aims to ensure that students:
- develop useful mathematical and numeracy skills for everyday life, work and as active and critical citizens in a technological world
- see connections and apply mathematical concepts, skills and processes to pose and solve problems in mathematics and in other disciplines and contexts
- acquire specialist knowledge and skills in mathematics that provide for further study in the discipline
- appreciate mathematics as a discipline – its history, ideas, problems and applications, aesthetics and philosophy
Mathletics
Mathletics is a tool that is regularly used by teachers at Wales Street Primary School. Your child can participate in ‘Live Mathletics’ which encourages skill fluency, complete tasks set by the classroom teacher or consolidate their own learning by choosing lessons that they would like to complete.
The Mathletics website also has a fantastic parent blog with suggestions about how you can develop mathematical understandings and skills in every day life.
Tens frames games
These games are designed to help students develop their understanding of 10. There are also links to printable 10’s frames you can use at home.
30+ things to do with a hundreds chart
There are a range of activities here that are great for students who are developing their understanding of numbers to 100.