Mathematics

At St. Augustine’s, we view Mathematical Learning as essential for all children. We provide activities that are varied, challenging, and often fun. We recognize that every child is unique, and we cater to individual abilities so that all students can reach their full potential. We encourage children to challenge themselves and take risks to promote deeper learning.

The mathematics classroom at St. Augustine’s is a place where students are asked to practice skills, improve mental arithmetic, check that answers are reasonable, analyze problems, justify their methods and answers, and share their learning with others. Mistakes are seen as an important pathway to learning. Through these mistakes, real and higher-level learning occurs. We celebrate the successes of all children at their own level.

Our ultimate aim is to create lifelong learners who challenge themselves to develop and apply mathematical knowledge and skills both now and in the future. Teachers are guided by the Victorian Curriculum, which covers the areas of Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Our data is collected from pre- and post-testing for each topic, along with Progressive Achievement Tests in Mathematics and NAPLAN results. This data is continuously used to inform teachers' planning and to target students' learning.

Support is also available to assist with math learning. Weekly homework is set to reinforce and consolidate skills learned in the classroom. We encourage parents to engage in their child's learning by playing games, using everyday opportunities to reinforce skills, discussing solutions to real-life problems, and supervising homework.

Number Intervention Program

The Number Intervention Program focuses specifically on the Number and Algebra component of the Mathematics Curriculum. Students are assessed and selected based on their needs. Once selected for the program, students work in small groups or independently with the Number Intervention teacher for 30-minute sessions, four times per week, for a semester.

The topics covered include:

• Number words and numerals
  
  

• Structuring numbers 1–20
  
  

• Conceptual place value
  
  

• Addition and subtraction to 100
  
  

• Multiplicative strategies
  
  

• Multiplication basic facts
  
  

The program is based on the work of Dr. Bob Wright, whose extensive research and development in Mathematics Recovery Intervention has influenced this approach.