The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
By studying mathematics, students learn to work mathematically – developing fluency, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning and communication skills.
The syllabus consists of the following strands:
- number and algebra
- measurement and geometry
- statistics and probability.
At Bankstown South Infants School, we believe that children need to know and understand the basics of number, space and measurement through the exploration and investigation of patterns, relationships, processes and problems, therefore we aim to provide an effective mathematics program that balances the strands of number, space and measurement.
We believe that children need to use a variety of concrete materials and technologies to explore and develop mathematical concepts, therefore we ensure there are a variety of appropriate equipment and resources readily available in the classroom.
We believe that assessment and reporting in mathematics must be accurate, regular and meaningful so that parents, students and teachers understand the student's achievements and the areas to be developed.
We believe that students have different learning styles and develop mathematical concepts at varying rates and levels, therefore we aim to support the learning needs of each student.
Students mathematical learning is also supported by programs including TEN and Mathletics.
Our Students are actively involved in the Department of Education's Targeting Early Numeracy (TEN) program during their maths lessons. Students focus on identifying numbers, counting, skip counting forwards and backwards and addition and subtraction mental strategies. The program motivates and encourages children to engage in mathematics by beginning all lessons with a short and explicit game that aims to develop a specific skill.
The school also uses 'Mathletics' in conjunction with teaching and learning programs to keep students engaged with maths. With fresh activities, challenges and regularly updated content, Mathletics always has something new to learn and fun to do. Mathletics produces powerful reports, providing the school with deep insights into how classes and individual learners are progressing. These reports are used to find where students are excelling, where they're being challenged, and how to shape future activities and games to suit all learning needs.