At Alawa Primary, we believe in a whole school approach to the teaching and learning of numeracy.

The focus of Meaningful Maths [M2] in NT Schools is improving student achievement in mathematics through improving the professional capability of teachers. The approach is informed by developing understandings about mathematical learning and effective professional development.

All classroom numeracy programs should be implementing the Australian Curriculum and informed by Meaningful Maths philosophies and beliefs

The mathematics learning area allows learners to develop mathematical skills and understandings that they can apply to many areas of life. Learners will develop sound strategies for investigating and problem solving, as well as positive attitudes about their capacity to effectively use their mathematics in many life situations.

Math

The focus of Meaningful Maths [M2]

The Mathematics learning area allows learners to develop mathematical skills and understandings that they can apply to many areas of life. Learners will develop sound strategies for investigating and problem solving as well as positive attitudes about their capacity to effectively use their mathematics in many life situations. We believe effective teaching of mathematics demonstrates:

  1. An ethic of care Caringclassroom communities that are focused on mathematical goals help develop students’ mathematical identities and proficiencies.
  2. Arranging for learning Effective teachers provide students with opportunities to work both independently and collaboratively to make sense of ideas.
  3. Building on students thinking Effective teachers plan mathematics learning experiences that enable students to build on their existing proficiencies, interests, and experiences.
  4. Worthwhile mathematical tasks Effective teachers understand that the tasks and examples they select influence how students come to view, develop, use, and make sense of mathematics.
  5. Making connections Effective teachers support students in creating connections between different ways of solving problems, between mathematical representations and topics, and between mathematics and everyday experiences.
  6. Assessment for learning Effective teachers use a range of assessment practices to make students’ thinking visible and to support students’ learning.
  7. Mathematical communication Effective teachers are able to facilitate classroom dialogue that is focused on mathematical argumentation.
  8. Mathematical language Effective teachers shape mathematical language by modelling appropriate terms and communicating their meaning in ways that students understand.
  9. Tools and representations Effective teachers carefully select tools and representations to provide support for students’ thinking.
  10. Teacher knowledge Effective teachers develop and use sound knowledge as a basis for initiating learning and responding to the mathematical needs of all their students.

Alawa Numeracy Plan Overview is Alawa's Whole School Approach to Meaningful Maths.

For further information about what is covered in each year at school for mathematics, refer to the Australian Curriculum website.

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For further information about the NZ Maths Number Framework, visit the website.