What is the difference between Mathematics and Numeracy?
Mathematics: Knowledge of mathematical concepts and procedures.
Numeracy: To be able to use mathematical knowledge in a broad range of activities.
Mathematics at Bellbrae Primary School is guided by the Victorian Curriculum which can be found at: http://victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au/mathematics/introduction/rationale-and-aims
Our Numeracy Program provides engaging learning experiences that assist students to develop skills in:
- Number: Counting, Place Value, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Fractions, Money and Patterns
- Measurement & Geometry: Length, Area, Mass, Capacity, Time, Location, Mapping, 2D & 3D Shapes and Symmetry
- Probability & Statistics: Chance and Data
A key element of the Numeracy Program is the development and implementation of meaningful and effective learning experiences. We focus on providing our students with a range of hands-on activities using a wide variety of resources and digital learning, to support and develop their understanding of key concepts. Our units of work incorporate real life situations and enable our students to apply the proficiencies of understanding, fluency, problem solving and reasoning across all areas of Mathematics.
Teachers engage students in pre-unit and post-unit assessments, also seeking regular feedback from students in class lessons to better understand student knowledge and capabilities. This information is used to inform teacher planning and develop learning experiences that cater for individual student learning needs.
Mathematics is taught for a minimum of five hours each week in all F-6 classrooms.
A typical one hour Numeracy lesson at Bellbrae Primary School includes:
*Learning Intentions and Success Criteria displayed and shared with students
*10 minutes – Tuning-In Activity
*10 minutes – Explicit Instruction
*30 minutes – Independent or small group Numeracy Tasks such as
- exploring and investigating
- problem-solving
- recording thinking
- using concrete materials
- small Focus Teaching Group
- Digital learning
*10 minutes – Reflection and Sharing about the concepts learnt and strategies used.