Numeracy

Harrisdale Primary School has adopted a whole school approach to teaching Mathematics through the Gradual Release of Responsibility Model. Teachers deliver a balanced Mathematics program whereby all lessons are explicitly modelled using the ‘think aloud’ strategy. Teachers ensure all students are provided with opportunities to practise and consolidate their skills in guided, collaborative and independent settings.

Our teaching and learning programs incorporate the four Mathematics proficiency stands of; Fluency, Understanding, Problem Solving and Reasoning, to ensure students are able to think flexibly and in-depth about Mathematics concepts.

Students are explicitly taught Mathematics Mental Strategies, to ensure they can confidently and efficiently calculate sums in their heads. Students are encouraged to share and explain their mental computations.

Students use the RUCSAC strategy to support them in solving multi-step word problems. The clear structure of “Read, Understand, Choose, Solve, Answer and Check”, supports students to solve the problem in a methodical manner.

Under the banner of the Multiple Intelligence Theory, students are provided with opportunities to learn in a variety of exciting, challenging and rewarding ways within each lesson and across all school years.