Mathematics

Mathematics develops learners ability to think creatively, critically, strategically and logically. Mathematics and statistics have a broad range of practical applications in everyday life, in other learning areas, and in workplaces.

At Ruahine School our learners engage in mathematics that is purposeful, contextual and problematic.

Our teaching and learning of Mathematics focuses on:

• Developing children’s BASIC FACTS knowledge – this frees up their working memory to enable more complex maths learning.

• Developing CORE STRATEGIES for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division that students can apply logically and effectively to problem solve.

• Applying Mathematics learning to REAL LIFE and PROBLEMATIC CONTEXTS. Numeracy learning is paired with mathematical strand learning (geometry, measurement, statistics) so that any number learning is set in a real-life context.

• COLLABORATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING – We provide children with opportunities to discuss their ways of solving problems in groups – there is not one right way of solving a problem and this allows students to learn from each other and to reaffirm their own learning. Teachers and learners use TALK MOVES to facilitate productive discussions. Learners question, explain, justify, revoice, prompt, actively listen and provide wait time.

• BIG MATHEMATICAL IDEAS – Curriculum overviews are structured around big mathematical ideas. This means that mathematical topics interconnect and this supports learners to make sense of ‘Mathematics’.