Head of Primary P-4 Del Monte

Mathematics in Primary

On the Primary Campus, we are beginning to implement the new K-2 Mathematics syllabus. This syllabus will be fully implemented by Term 1, 2023. Numeracy foundation skills will be explicitly taught, and then students will have the opportunity to apply these mathematical skills in real-life problem-solving experiences that involve critical thinking.

 The new Mathematics K–2 syllabus includes: 

  • a new structure that highlights foundational numeracy skills 
  • new outcomes and content that are informed by evidence and identify skills needed by all students to develop competence in Mathematics 
  • a greater emphasis on the development of reasoning for students to support a deep understanding of mathematical concepts

The NSW Mathematics K-2 syllabus recognises the critical importance of early Mathematics skills in the early years of school. Through the study of Mathematics, students develop essential concepts and skills and apply them to deepen their understanding of the world. In Mathematics K-2, students:

  • develop essential numeracy skills and mathematical fluency
  • identify, describe and apply patterns and relationships
  • develop their reasoning and problem-solving skills
  • apply their knowledge and understanding in practical situations and make informed decisions.

Learning Walks in Term 4 will focus on demonstrating this new syllabus in action in our K-2 classes. 

MANSW COMPETITION – CONGRATULATIONS, MRS YIORKAS AND 1 WRIGHTSON! IST PLACE IN THE NSW CLASS COMPETITION!

A huge congratulations to Mrs Yiorkas and 1 Wrightson, who participated in the MANSW competition and came first in the NSW Class Competition! We are so very proud of you! The National judging will take place this week (12 September-19 September).

The Primary campus participated in the Mathematical Association of New South Wales Incorporated (MANSW) competition. It involves students formulating their own questions about a given situation. Investigating with Mathematics tasks meet new syllabus outcomes allowing for a deep understanding of their world by applying the concepts and skills explicitly taught to solve student questions.

Year 1 Wrightson used the Primary Campus service initiative from earlier reaching out in service to assist St Joseph’s Primary School Woodburn in the Lismore Diocese. 

The students chose to respond to the devastation of the 2022 floods which caused major damage to various areas of NSW. Year 1 Wrightson took on the responsibility to collect and sort the items through their Mathematics investigation.

The Mathematics investigation began with the students exploring the height of the flood waters. Following this, the students began analysing the number of students and donations collected by our school. Once the donations were counted, the students used their mathematical skills to examine the different properties and masses of the donations. 

Finally, the students took on the role of the courier driver and used their digital technology skills to code the Bee-Bots to follow the route from Santa Sabina College to St Joseph’s Woodburn.

Throughout the investigation, the students engaged in a variety of mathematical concepts and skills that further enhanced a hands-on, purposeful, real-world approach to Mathematics. 

Joanne Giannini
Head of Primary (P-4)