Our mathematical communities are dynamic places of learning where Mathematics is seen as being specific to life.
Children are given the opportunity to investigate, explore and manipulate both concrete materials and abstract ideas through rich, open-ended tasks. The process of their learning is expressed orally, pictorially and symbolically. Reflective practice plays a significant part in all the school’s curriculum areas. In Mathematics, the children articulate their thinking and reasoning, enabling deeper conceptual understandings. This allows them to learn to apply learning and skills to other areas.
Mathematics at Our Lady of the Way is based on the ReaL Maths process (Reflection, Empowerment and Learning), EMU Program (Extended Mathematical Understanding) and each are linked to the NSW Mathematics K-10 Syllabus. Through reflection, empowerment and learning the emphasis is on mental computations, open-ended tasks, problem solving and investigations. This, coupled with reflection on practice and experiences, challenges our children to become lifelong learners in Mathematics.
All students at Our Lady of the Way engage in Mathematics for 60 minutes each day made up of:
- A number warm up;
- Rich and open-ended tasks;
- Students representing number concepts through the relationships of the Number Triad-word, symbol and collection;
- Students working in flexible groups and structures;
- Student articulating and reflecting on their thinking and strategies