Mathematics
At Christ the Priest we aim to equip all students to be confident and effective mathematical problem solvers in their world. We use current research to inform our classroom practice and data, in the form of pre & post tests, to guide the teaching and learning sequence to cater for all our students.
One of the main aims of our school mathematics program is to create mental objects in the mind’s eye of children which can be manipulated flexibly with understanding and confidence. (Associate Professor of Mathematics Education, RMIT University). Creating visual imagery in all areas of the mathematics curriculum (Number & Algebra, Measurement & Geometry, and Statistics & Probability) enables the student to learn and understand mathematical concepts in flexible ways. The learning is in the hands of the ‘student’.
In partnership with Catholic Education Melbourne (CEM), Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and Macquarie University the F – 2 teachers have been professionally developed in an innovative research based program (PASA) which enriches early mathematical development.
Mathematics is also taught according to the Victorian Curriculum Guidelines, and covers the areas of Number and Algebra, Geometry and Measurement, and Probability and Statistics. Through the use of open-ended tasks and rich and meaningful learning experiences, students develop mathematical knowledge, skills and understandings.
The development of correct mathematical language is a focus across the school and a vital part in assisting students to explain their thinking and understanding. Regular assessment allows teachers to cater for students’ individual needs; designing and differentiating learning experiences which extend or enable students as needed.
For long-term planning and whole school tracking of progress we use the standardised testing data from Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) Mathematics and National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)
The use of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) are powerful tools that can also support students’ learning of mathematics.