Mathematics is a powerful tool for describing and analysing the world around us and is a highly effective tool for solving problems. At CWBS our mathematics program promotes enjoyment and enthusiasm for the exploration and learning of mathematics. We believe that students acquire mathematical understanding by constructing their own meaning, concept by concept, through ever increasing levels of abstraction, starting with their own personal experiences, understandings and knowledge.
It is fundamental to the philosophy of the PYP that, since it is to be used in real-life situations, mathematics needs to be taught in relevant, realistic contexts, rather than taught in isolation as a fixed body of knowledge imparted directly to the students. Therefore wherever possible, mathematics is transdisciplinary and taught through relevant, realistic context of the programme of inquiry. Where there are instances that these conceptual understandings, skills and knowledge are not supported through the transdisciplinary nature of the programme, mathematics is taught as a subject specific unit.
Our Mathematics curriculum aims to develop and provide opportunities of the following for our students:
- The ability to think and act as mathematicians
- The ability to use Mathematics to solve problems both independently and collaboratively, in groups or as a whole class
- Confidence and competence in dealing with Mathematics in everyday situations
- The ability to communicate mathematically through mathematical conversations and record ideas in a variety of written formats
- An understanding that Mathematics is a language and a way of thinking not just a body of knowledge
- Thinking and acting as mathematicians
- Positive attitudes towards involvement in mathematics.
- The acquisition of strategies to solve mathematical problems.
- Exploration of techniques and tools, which reflect modern mathematics.
Clearwater Bay School is a member of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) and uses the ESF Mathematics curriculum documentation to inform teaching and learning from Years One to Six.
In Mathematics, there are five strands covered in all year levels throughout an academic year:
- Number
- Data Handling
- Shape and Space
- Pattern & Function
- Measurement
The curriculum ‘Scope and Sequence’ documents you will find below provide an overview of what is being taught in the area of Mathematics across each year level. These documents are used as the basis for all Mathematics teaching and learning planned across the school.
Within each of these interconnected strands, there is a balance between the acquisition of knowledge and skills through a variety of experiences to encompass fluency, conceptual understanding and problem solving.