Mathematics at Oak Park Primary

The main focus at Oak Park Primary in Mathematics is to have our students become Mathematical thinkers and to understand that mathematics is part of their daily life.

The main features of Mathematical teaching includes:

• Listening, critically thinking and exploring are encouraged rather than rote learning.
• Skills and concepts are taught and developed through explicit teaching in whole class and small group settings.
• Concrete materials are used to teach concepts. Students become less reliant on concrete materials as their understanding is consolidated.
• Mental calculation and the teaching of efficient strategies is a priority.
• Students practise and extend skills through problem solving and open ended tasks.
• Students are encouraged to solve problems efficiently by using a range of strategies, such as finding a pattern.
• Estimation and an awareness of a reasonable answer are emphasised.
• Consistency with mathematical language throughout the school is important.

Professional Development of Mathematics
Teachers keep abreast with new mathematical initiatives through professional development, mentoring colleagues, attending network meetings, professional readings and peer observations.

Assessment
We use a variety of assessment tools to assist us to understand where each student is at along the Mathematics Continuum. Students from Foundation to Year 6 are monitored and assessed against the Victorian Curriculum. Teachers use pre-testing and post-testing to target student needs, and use a range of formal resources such as:

• Mathematics Online Interview
• PAT Maths
• Open-ended Rich Assessment Tasks.

Students are encouraged to analyse their work, to identify their strengths and challenges, and become aware of what they need to learn next.