Mathematics 

Mathematical Problem-Solving at Home

All children can learn to be mathematical problem solvers, and children who can tackle problem-solving in mathematics are better prepared for more advanced mathematics. Problem-solving includes word problems, visual-spatial puzzles, games, and logic problems. Supporting your child in problem-solving can enrich their learning of mathematics concepts and help them develop as mathematicians.

When tackling problems, it helps if children have steps and a range of strategies to utilise. We love solving problems at St James and encourage our students to have a range of strategies in their problem-solving toolkit.

Strategies include: Guessing and checking, Writing a number sentence, Looking for a pattern, Drawing a picture, Breaking the problem into smaller parts, 

and Asking: What do I need to know?

Can you solve this problem together as a family?

Rich Tasks in Mathematics - Assessment and Reporting

Our dedicated teaching staff are currently preparing semester two reports for your child. Teachers at St James use many different data types to evaluate and report student achievement and progress. One method, in particular, is the use of mathematically rich tasks. 

Rich tasks have a range of characteristics that offer opportunities to meet the different needs of our learners. Once student work is gathered, teachers spend many hours moderating student samples as a team. 

We use moderation at St James to develop consistency of assessment judgements across different teachers and programs. Through this process, our teachers develop a shared understanding of the expectations of student achievement at various stages of schooling.

You will receive your child’s report at the end of week ten of this term.

Rich Maths Game of the Week

Belinda Mihalicek

Mathematics Leader

bmihalicek@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au