‘No one knows exactly what mathematics is needed as the twenty-first century progresses, but it is clear that students will need to know how to reason mathematically and how to apply mathematical thinking to a wide range of situations’
Reys, Linquist, Lambin & Smith, 2000
Mathematics is a significant part of everyday life. As a result, at St Monica’s our overriding goal is for our students to become mathematically proficient, to know and use Mathematics successfully enabling them to solve the new kinds of problems they will inevitably face in the future. Mathematics is essentially a social process, one in which students engage in discussion, make generalisations, establish connections, engage in deep thinking and use creative problem solving.
We believe that Mathematics must be learned with understanding and this is the cornerstone of all instructional planning and teaching. Therefore doing mathematics at St Monica’s begins with posing worthwhile tasks in an environment where students share and defend mathematical ideas. It is common to observe children first working in small groups, while taking and using tiles or blocks to model a problem, then moving to their desks to write individually about what they have discovered, and finally engaging in a whole class discussion about what has been learned. The students in our classrooms are encouraged to share their ideas, observations and problem solving processes. They listen carefully to one another and they challenge and question each other about processes and strategies. Our students are actively involved in their learning.
Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability are all taught in line with the Victorian Curriculum and embedded within the Catholic Education Melbourne’s, Horizons of Hope Framework.
Mathematics Intervention
Programs are designed to assist our students to accelerate their learning. Students with additional needs are also supported through the use of our Mathematics and Wellbeing Leaders, CEO school advisors, speech pathologists and our Learning Support Officers who implement a variety of tailored programs.