Math Matters
Math Matters: Thinking Deep at Viewbank: Primary School Outreach 2025
At Viewbank College, we believe mathematics is more than quick answers: it is about thinking deeply, exploring processes, and building confidence.
Too often, students equate success with speed. We want to change that narrative and help them see that depth leads to understanding and eventually, speed.
Over the past two weeks, our Maths Team visited Viewbank Primary, Heidelberg Primary, Banyule Primary, and Rosanna Primary as part of our Primary School Outreach Program. These sessions aimed to strengthen partnerships with our feeder schools and prepare students for a smooth transition to secondary maths.
Student Sessions: Beyond Speed
Through engaging challenges like the 9 Dots Puzzle, students discovered that maths is about creativity and persistence. They learned that mistakes are not setbacks, indeed they are stepping stones. Here is what the students said:
- “I used to think speed was everything, but now I know depth matters—and it even improves speed.”
- “The 9 Dots puzzle was fun—it really challenged my brain to think outside the box.”
- “I liked all the ways you could find an answer. It made me think more philosophically.”
Professional Conversations: Growing Together
Our team also met with primary school staff to share data and reflect on teaching practices. These conversations focused on extension activities, differentiation, assessment, and feedback, all aimed at building strong foundations and smooth transition. Staff reflections were inspiring:
- Heidelberg Primary: “We had love to develop a numeracy guide that captures our approach and bookwork expectations, Number Talks and core strategies like long division as showcased.”
- Viewbank Primary: “The data was useful, but the conversation was the highlight. It helped us reflect and refine our teaching.”
A huge thank you to the VBC Maths Team for leading this work with passion and purpose. I would like to invite our community: teachers, parents and students to join the conversation. Share your ideas, ask questions, and help us shape a consistent, inspiring approach to numeracy across our schools. Together, we can build confident problem-solvers who love the challenge of thinking deeply.
Try it yourself:
Enjoy challenging yourself,
Ritika Mahajan