Rationale
Mathematics is organised around the interaction of three content strands:
- Number and Algebra: basic number facts, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, place value, fractions, decimals, money.
- Measurement and Geometry: length, mass, temperature, time, shape, directions, angles.
- Statistics and Probability: graphing, probability, data collection.
At Wandina Primary School, we use a consistent, whole-school approach to Numeracy to cater to these content strands, ensuring all students can consolidate their learning throughout their schooling.
Approach/Programs – What does this look like at Wandina PS?
PR1ME: At WPS, we use the PR1ME Mathematics program to deliver high-quality maths instruction four to five times per week. Each lesson follows a ‘Let’s Learn’, Let’s Do’ and ‘Let’s Practise’ approach, moving from guided examples to independent application.
At the end of each unit, we include Mind Stretcher lessons to challenge students’ thinking and extend their learning beyond the standard curriculum.
Basic Facts: Students engage in dedicated Basic Facts sessions five times a week. These sessions focus on both set practice (targeted facts aligned with each student’s level) and mixed practice (revision and reinforcement of previously learned facts).
All practice is guided by the WPS Basic Facts Scope and Sequence, ensuring a consistent and structured approach across year levels.
Daily Reviews: Revisit and reinforce key mathematical concepts to boost retention and understanding. Each 10-minute session reviews critical content essential for future learning, current unit content to strengthen understanding and challenging topics identified through the PR1ME and Elastik assessment tools.
Cross curricular links are also emphasised, and students are encouraged to apply their mathematical skills to learning in other subjects, particularly science and HASS.
Assessment – How do we know students are achieving?
On-Entry: Conducted in Term 1 in Pre-Primary, this provides valuable diagnostic information about each child’s early number sense, counting skills, and ability to apply foundational mathematical concepts.
PR1ME: Topic tests are conducted at the end of each concept to check understanding of year-level content. Mid-year and end-of-year assessments are also conducted to track overall growth and inform reporting
Westwood: Conducted semesterly from Year 1 to 6 to track students’ basic fact fluency across the four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Elastik: Used to identify and effectively address gaps and misconceptions.
NAPLAN: National assessment for Year 3 and Year 5 students, providing a broad snapshot of student performance in numeracy compared to national benchmarks
Impact – Why is this important?
The impact on student data can be seen in improved achievement in topic tests, enhanced fluency in basic facts, closing identified learning gaps, better retention and understanding, and strong results in assessments. With a data-driven approach, teachers are continuously monitoring progress and making adjustments based on the individual and collective needs of the students. This leads to improved student outcomes and ensures that all students, regardless of their starting point, make significant progress in their mathematical learning.
The numeracy approach directly supports the school’s moral purpose of empowering every student, every day by fostering an inclusive, equitable, and supportive learning environment. Through personalised instruction, continuous feedback, real-world applications, and a focus on building both confidence and competence, the school ensures that every student is empowered to achieve their potential. Ultimately, this approach equips students with the skills and mindset necessary to succeed not only in Mathematics but also in their broader academic and life pursuits.
Further Opportunities – How are students extended beyond the classroom?
Numero: A flexible and engaging number game that reinforces key numeracy skills in a game-based setting. Teachers adapt the game to suit the needs and abilities of their students, making it a valuable tool. To further inspire enthusiasm and confidence in numeracy, school-based Numero competitions are held for Year 3–6 students. Each year, selected Year 5 and 6 students can also represent Wandina in interschool competitions, showcasing their skills against other schools in the region.
Have Sum Fun: This year, Year 6 students from Wandina Primary School are participating in the Have Sum Fun competition, run by the Mathematics Association of Western Australia (MAWA). This exciting, fast-paced team event will challenge students to solve a variety of complex and engaging maths problems under time pressure.
