Mathematics

At St. Augustine’s, we view mathematics as an essential learning area in which all students can succeed through high-quality, explicit, and structured teaching. Our approach reflects the principles of Mathematics 2.0 and Ochre Education, ensuring learning is carefully sequenced, knowledge-rich, and responsive to student needs.

We design learning experiences that are purposeful, appropriately challenging, and engaging, with a strong focus on building foundational knowledge. Recognising that students learn at different rates, teachers provide differentiated support and extension so that all students can achieve growth and work towards mastery.

Mathematics classrooms at St. Augustine’s prioritise the development of fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving. Students engage in regular, structured practice to build accuracy, efficiency, and automaticity in key skills, including mental computation. They are explicitly taught to check the reasonableness of their answers, analyse problems, select efficient strategies, and justify their thinking using clear mathematical language. Opportunities to explain and share reasoning are embedded in daily practice.

Mistakes are valued as a critical part of the learning process and are used intentionally to deepen understanding and strengthen conceptual knowledge. Teachers create a supportive environment where students are encouraged to take risks, persevere, and engage deeply with mathematical thinking. Student progress and achievement are recognised and celebrated at all levels.

Our goal is to develop confident, independent learners who can apply mathematical knowledge flexibly across a range of contexts, both within and beyond the classroom. Teaching is guided by the Victorian Curriculum Mathematics 2.0, encompassing Number, Algebra, Measurement, Space, Statistics, and Probability

Number

• Counting, place value, and number sense

• The foundation of all mathematics learning

Algebra

• Patterns, relationships, and equations

• Introduced earlier and built over time

Measurement

• Length, area, volume, time, and units

Space

• Shapes, position, and transformations

Statistics

• Collecting, representing, and interpreting data

Probability

• Chance and likelihood

Assessment is embedded within the teaching and learning cycle. Teachers use a range of data sources, including pre- and post-assessments, Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT Maths), and NAPLAN, to monitor student progress and inform responsive, targeted instruction. This ensures teaching is aligned to student need and supports continuous improvement.

Targeted support is available to ensure all students can access the curriculum. Homework is designed to consolidate and reinforce learning through structured practice and retrieval. Families are encouraged to support their child’s learning through games, real-life applications, and discussion of mathematical thinking.

Number Intervention Program

The Number Intervention Program provides targeted, evidence-informed support in the Number and Algebra strand. Students are selected based on assessment data and identified learning needs.

The program is delivered through explicit, systematic instruction in small groups or individual settings. Students participate in four 30-minute sessions per week over a semester, allowing for intensive and focused teaching.

Key areas of focus include:

• Development of number words and numerals

• Structuring numbers within 1–20

• Conceptual understanding of place value

• Addition and subtraction strategies to 100

• Introduction to multiplicative thinking

• Automatic recall of multiplication facts

This program emphasises explicit teaching, scaffolded practice, and ongoing assessment to build strong foundational knowledge and accelerate student progress in mathematics.

Updated 2026