The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
Success in mathematics at Brookvale
At Brookvale Public School we pride oursleves on the explicit teaching of mathematics and numeracy. Our teachers are experts in utilsing whole class and small group structures to ensure every child experiences success in mathematics. Teachers use concrete materials and manipulatives wherever possible to support student understanding of mathematical concepts.
The school is focused on developing students' additive and multiplicitive reasoning. Over the past three years our teaching staff have worked closely with the Department of Education Mathematics Strategy Team as well as American academic Pam Harris to enhance mathematics outcomes across the school.
Led by our High Accomplished Teacher, Mathematics Specialist Teacher, and Assistant Principals Curriculum and Instructions staff have worked purposefully and collaboratively to consistently identify areas of student need and develop student centred, data driven, differentiated programs to ensure all students are able to grow and experience success in mathematics.
The NSW mathematics syllabus
The aim of Mathematics K–10 is to enable students to become confident users of mathematics, learning and applying the language of mathematics to communicate efficiently and effectively. They develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of mathematical concepts and a fluency with mathematical processes that helps them to interpret and solve problems.
Students make connections within mathematics and connect mathematical concepts with the world around them. They learn to understand and appreciate how mathematics is a relevant part of their lives.
Mathematical ideas have evolved and continue to develop across cultures and have been practised in Australia by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples for thousands of years. Through the study of mathematics, students apply their knowledge and skills to deepen their understanding of the world.
Mathematics is a reasoning and creative activity, integral to scientific and technological advances across many fields of endeavour. The symbolic nature of mathematics provides a powerful and precise means of communication.
Making connections across mathematical concepts and other subject areas enhances students’ ability to understand the purpose of learning mathematics and to develop a deeper conceptual understanding. This helps students to recognise the role of mathematics in solving problems in the world around them, applying their understanding to familiar and unfamiliar situations.
By studying mathematics, students develop essential numeracy skills and fluency, while nurturing the ability to think logically, critically and creatively. They learn about patterns and reason about relationships, creating opportunities to generalise their solutions and to solve non-routine problems.
When students enjoy learning mathematics, they develop a positive self-concept and become self-motivated learners through active participation in appropriately challenging tasks. This can enhance their resilience in solving mathematical problems relevant to further education and their everyday lives.
The NSW mathematics syllabus can be found here
