MATHEMATICS

At Streeton Primary School, students engage in a minimum of five hours of mathematics instruction per week, where the focus is on building automaticity in the fundamentals. This ensures that students are confident when tackling more complex mathematical problems. Our approach is grounded in the belief that mastery of basic skills is essential for students to thrive in more advanced topics, such as Number, Algebra, Measurement, Space, Probability and Statistics. By instilling a strong foundation in these areas, we aim to cultivate not just proficiency, but also a genuine appreciation and enjoyment of mathematics.

To achieve this, we utilise the high-quality resources provided by Ochre Education, alongside other evidence-based practices, ensuring that every classroom delivers mathematics lessons of the highest standard. Our lessons are carefully designed to be both comprehensive and detailed, reflecting the latest research on effective teaching practices. Key methods, such as explicit instruction, formative assessment, retrieval practice, and spaced practice, are used consistently to reinforce understanding and ensure long-term retention of knowledge.

At the heart of our mathematics program are the four mathematical proficiencies: Understanding, Fluency, Problem Solving, and Reasoning. These proficiencies are woven throughout the curriculum from Foundation to Year 6 and form the backbone of our teaching philosophy. By embedding these proficiencies in every lesson, we ensure that students are not only learning content but also developing critical skills in logical reasoning, strategy justification, and mathematical fluency. This emphasis on deep thinking encourages students to engage with mathematics on a more sophisticated level, enabling them to independently apply their knowledge to a variety of contexts and real-world problems.

Our teachers play a pivotal role in this process, acting as facilitators who guide students through progressively challenging material while offering the support and feedback necessary for individual growth. Through regular formative assessments, teachers are able to identify areas where students may need additional support or extension, ensuring that every child is working at an appropriate level of challenge.

Ultimately, our goal is to nurture confident and independent mathematicians who can approach complex problems with a toolkit of well-practiced strategies and the ability to articulate their thinking. By fostering a deep understanding of the fundamentals and promoting rigorous thinking, we prepare students not only for academic success but for a lifelong relationship with mathematics.