Numeracy and Mathematics in Windygoul Primary School
In Windygoul Primary School we believe that Maths and Numeracy should be delivered with a learning environment that supports discovery, questioning, relevance, experimenting and most of all enjoyment.
Our approach to Numeracy is based on the shared understanding of the Number Counts approach. Using approaches that promote problem solving in numeracy, we strive to ensure that all children develop high levels of numeracy skills. We use a framework that helps identify an individual’s numerical knowledge and which outlines clear guidance in teaching approaches to nurture their understanding.
Through the Learning and Teaching experiences the children will realise that Mathematics is important in our everyday life, allows us to make sense of the world around us and enables us to manage our lives. By engaging in real-life situations children will be given opportunities to make connections and informed predictions.
Numeracy
Being numerate helps us to function responsibly in everyday life and contribute effectively to society. It increases our opportunities within the world of work and establishes foundations which can be built upon through lifelong learning. Numeracy is not only a subset of mathematics; it is also a life skill which permeates and supports all areas of learning, allowing young people access to the wider curriculum.
Numerate people rely on the accumulation of knowledge, concepts and skills they have developed, and continually revisit and add to these. We aim to provide our learners with experiences that will ensure numeracy skills are not only developed from early levels and beyond, but are revisited and refreshed throughout schooling and into lifelong learning.
Mathematics
Curriculum for Excellence promotes the development of Numeracy across Learning as the responsibility of all teachers. Where appropriate, we provide opportunities to apply mathematical concepts and skills on other curricular areas and particularly in Science and Technology.
Mathematics permeates all aspects of modern life and we aim to develop all aspects of mathematical capability by providing opportunities where learners can;
- become familiar and fluent with numbers
- use and apply skills in the real world, including the use of ICT
- be open to new ideas and alternatives, and appreciate the importance of evidence and critical reasoning
- be curious, imaginative and diligentFrom the early stages onwards, learners will experience success in numeracy and mathematics and develop the confidence to take risks, ask questions and explore alternative solutions without fear of being wrong. They will enjoy exploring and applying mathematical concepts to understand and solve problems, explaining their thinking and presenting their solutions to others in a variety of ways. At all stages, an emphasis on collaborative learning will encourage children to reason logically and creatively through discussion of mathematical ideas and concepts.
- A rich and supportive learning environment will support a skilful mix of a variety of approaches, including:
- active learning and planned, purposeful play
- development of problem-solving capabilities
- developing mental agility
- frequently asking children to explain their thinking
- use of relevant contexts and experiences, familiar to children and young people
- using technology in appropriate and effective ways
- building on the principles of Assessment is for Learning, including understanding the purpose and relevance of the activities
- both collaborative and independent learning
- making frequent links across the curriculum, so that concepts and skills are developed further by being applied in different, relevant contexts
- promoting an interest and enthusiasm for numeracy.