Numeracy

Mathematics is an essential area of learning in our curriculum. It is vitally important that our students develop mathematical skills in order to function effectively in society. Becoming confident and competent with mathematics enables our students to be able to reason, solve problems, demonstrate understanding and see the relevance of mathematics in everyday life. The mathematics program at Wangaratta West Primary School allows all students to have genuine access to high quality learning in mathematics. The program builds on students’ interests and experiences, allowing students to make meaningful connections to real life situations and enables them to see a purpose for all concepts and skills being taught. Students are encouraged to analyse, compare, explain, reason, justify, estimate and synthesise mathematical problems, which assists them in developing the ability to choose the most effective approach to solving problems.

At Wangaratta West, we have developed a strong whole-school approach based around Professional Development from a range of high-quality mathematical consultants. We have a commitment to the teaching and learning of problem solving strategies. Mathematical concepts and skills are explicitly taught, and students are encouraged to explore and discover them for themselves in mathematics. Students are supported, challenged and extended through ‘real life’ open-ended problems that have multiple solutions, allowing students to experience success regardless of their mathematical ability. This approach increases student engagement and enjoyment in mathematics, assisting us in developing positive growth mindsets towards learning in mathematics.