At St Joseph’s, Mathematics involves developing understanding and skills in numbers, operations, patterns, measurement, space, and shapes. We know that early experiences in mathematics influence future learning, so high-quality, evidence-based instruction is essential to build confidence, fluency, and problem-solving abilities. Our teaching is guided by the MACS Vision for Mathematics Instruction, ensuring all students receive a rigorous and engaging learning experience.
Our approach focuses on developing number sense, helping students understand what numbers and quantities mean and how to represent them using objects, numerals, and visual tools such as number lines. Students build fluency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and are guided to understand the “why” and “how” behind mathematical concepts as well as the procedures and rules. Hands-on materials, visual representations, and real-world problem-solving tasks support understanding, reasoning, and application.
Explicit instruction is central to our teaching. Teachers model mathematical processes step-by-step, provide guided practice, and gradually release responsibility to students, giving opportunities for independent practice, oral discussion, and written explanations. Students are encouraged to use precise mathematical language, reflect on their learning, and articulate their thinking clearly.
Teachers are supported by resources co-designed by MACS teachers and Ochre Education, ensuring the curriculum is engaging, evidence-based, and aligned with best practice. Through collaborative learning, flexible groupings, and access to contemporary tools and resources, students are challenged to extend their thinking while developing strong conceptual understanding. This approach equips students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to participate effectively in a changing world and to enjoy lifelong engagement with Mathematics.
How We Teach Mathematics at St Joseph’s
At St Joseph’s, our Mathematics program is designed to build strong understanding, confidence, and problem-solving skills. We focus on helping students:
- Develop number sense: Students learn what numbers and quantities mean and how to represent them using objects, numerals, and tools like number lines. They practise counting fluently and comparing amounts.
- Build fluency: Students develop accuracy and speed with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Understand mathematical concepts: We teach not just procedures, but also the “why” and “how” behind mathematics, helping students make sense of what they are learning.
- Learn with hands-on materials: Students use concrete objects and visual tools to explore concepts and understand procedures.
- Solve problems confidently: We explicitly teach strategies for reasoning and problem-solving, guiding students to read, analyse, and organise their work effectively.
- Learn through clear instruction: Teachers model problems step-by-step, provide guided practice, and gradually allow students to take responsibility for their learning, giving opportunities to explain their thinking in words and in writing.
- Use precise mathematical language: Students are encouraged to communicate clearly using correct mathematics terms when explaining their work and reasoning.
Through this approach, students gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to tackle mathematical challenges and apply their learning to real-world situations.