Student Wellbeing

Teaching Real-World Math

In the bustling world of a primary school, we understand that teaching maths goes beyond the confines of classroom walls. Our aim is to make maths not just a subject students learn, but a valued life skill. We are expanding on the idea of "Maths in Daily Life" to empower our students with the real-world maths applications they need.  We believe that mathematics is not an abstract concept confined to the classroom. It is a dynamic tool that children can use every day. We introduce practical applications of maths early on, nurturing the idea that it's more than just numbers; it's a problem-solving skill that helps us navigate the world.

Shopping Adventures - Financial Literacy

One of the most common real-life scenarios where maths is essential is during grocery shopping. We encourage students to explore the grocery store as a maths playground. In the Prep classrooms we set up a shopping experience where they can purchase goods, providing them with an opportunity to see the connection between money and mathematics.  As they progress through primary school, these lessons become more comprehensive, equipping them with the skills needed to make informed financial decisions in the future. An example of this was our Year 6 Earn and Learn shopping experience where students purchased equipment and goods at Greensborough Plaza in preparation for Earn & Learn Market Day on the 16th of November. This meant the students needed to calculate the total cost of their shopping list, estimate the amount of change they should receive, and make decisions based on pricing, quantities, and budget constraints. These types of hands-on experiences help them understand the significance of maths in making everyday choices.

Cooking as Maths - Measurement

Cooking provides a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in maths. Measuring ingredients, adjusting recipe portions, and understanding cooking times involve various mathematical concepts, such as fractions, ratios, and time management. We often organise learning around a cooking session, allowing students to not only appreciate the science and art of cooking but also to recognise the mathematics behind each recipe!

Problem Solving Through Maths

Whether it's calculating the best route for a family road trip, determining the area needed for a garden project, or interpreting data from a weather chart, our students learn that maths equips them to address real-world challenges with confidence and precision.

Parent Connections to Real World Maths

These examples are a small window into our Maths thinking.  We are committed to providing a well-rounded education and value the support of parents in reinforcing the importance of real-world maths. We encourage you to engage with your children in maths-related activities at home, from cooking together to discussing budgets and savings. This collaborative effort ensures that students understand the relevance of maths in their everyday lives.

Our "I hate Maths" book will be available soon, which was written by the Greenhills Leadership Team. The book was created to show that Maths is all around us and is nothing to be scared about. We look forward to sharing the book with the wider community soon and encourage you to demonstrate a positive mindset towards Maths with your children at home.

Janine Hough - janine.hough@education.vic.gov.au

Brad Ryan - bradley.ryan@education.vic.gov.au

Janine and Brad.