Mathematics
The Primary Mathematics curriculum not only equips children with the mathematical understanding and numerical skills which will be a powerful tool for later study, but should also enrich their aesthetic and linguistic experience and provide them with the means of exploring their environment. Mathematics is a subject both to use and to enjoy.
The broad goals of the Mathematics Curriculum can be described through the interrelated terms of Attitudes, Processes and Knowledge and Understanding.
Attitudes
The Mathematics program should enable all students:
to develop their natural curiosity and interest in mathematics
to appreciate the relevance of mathematics in everyday situations and
to appreciate that mathematics is a dynamic field with its roots in many cultures
Processes
All students should:
be challenged to achieve at levels of accuracy and excellence
develop effective communication skills in mathematics
develop skills in investigating, interpreting, problem posing, predicting/hypothesising, problem solving, decision making, mathematical modelling, creative thinking, estimating/approximating and collaborative and independent learning, and
develop skills in the use of mathematical tools in relevant situations
Knowledge and Understanding
All students should develop knowledge and understanding about:
facts and concepts in areas of space, shape, number eg tables, monetary exchanges, measurement, chance/data and algebra, and
the relationship of mathematics to social and technological change
Students will apply their mathematics to analyse situations and solve real-life problems so that they can become confident life-long learners of mathematics.
Working Mathematically
In 'working mathematically' students demonstrate skills, knowledge and understanding by:
investigating
conjecturing
using problem solving strategies
applying and verifying
using mathematical language
working in context
Space
In 'space' students demonstrate skills, knowledge and understanding by:
using spatial ideas, tools and techniques to interpret, draw and make
visualising, analysing and representing arrangements and locations
visualising, analysing and representing shapes
visualising, analysing and representing movements and transformations
Number
In 'number' students demonstrate skills, knowledge and understanding of:
count and order
number patterns
equations
applying numbers
mental computation
written computation
calculators
Measurement
In 'measurement' students demonstrate skills, knowledge and understanding of:
choosing units
measuring
estimating
time
using relationships
Chance and Data
In 'chance and data' students demonstrate skills, knowledge and understanding by:
understanding, estimating and measuring chance variation
collecting data
organising data
displaying and summarising data
interpreting data
Algebra
In 'algebra' students demonstrate skills, knowledge and understanding of:
expressing generality
function
equations and inequations
