Numeracy

At Staughton College we strongly believe that literacy and numeracy are the gateways to learning success, and therefore these are a whole school priority.  All teachers are trained to deliver proven, effective literacy and numeracy strategies in every subject, taking responsibility for the progress of their pupils in these critical areas.

Teaching and learning numeracy at Staughton College focuses on the four proficiencies: Numeracy Understanding, Reasoning, Fluency and Problem Solving in Mathematics classrooms and cross-curriculum areas through a range of programs and strategies.

Problem Solving

Students are taught how to problem solve using a variety of numeracy and literacy strategies through the Problem Solving program in Mathematics classes. Students practice solving complex problems collaboratively and learn to present and evaluate multiple solutions. Students also learn that sometimes there is no correct answer and that problem solving is about persevering by trying many different strategies until they can find the best approach.

Learning Assessment Framework

In an effort to improve student understanding and fluency with multiplication and proportional reasoning,  the Learning Assessment Framework, taken from Scaffolding Numeracy in the Middle Years (Department of Education and Training), is used to assess student levels and target teach multiplicative skills through in-class intervention in Mathematics.

Numeracy in the curriculum

As Numeracy skills are relevant across many curriculum areas, these skills are being embedded not only in Mathematics but also across other subjects in the college.

In Mathematics, the focus is on teaching students investigative skills to improve their understanding of concepts alongside multiple strategies to deal with mathematical procedures.

Across the curriculum, students will also develop their numeracy understanding in the context of other subjects in preparation for real-world contexts.

Why is Numeracy important? Numeracy is about applying mathematical ideas and skills in the real world. These skills influence the way people analyse risk and make decisions.

How can parents/carers help? Adult attitudes to numeracy and mathematics have a tremendous influence on children. Helping your child to believe that they are capable learners is the first step in breaking down the barriers to learning.

Literacy and Numeracy Assessment

All students across Years 7 – 10 are involved in a regular program of Literacy and Numeracy Assessment. The purpose of the assessment program is to track student progress throughout the year and to use the data to work with individual students around goal setting and learning strategies for success.