Maths News

Helping Every Child Succeed 

In Their Maths Learning

🎯 Targeted Support: 

At St John’s, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in their learning journey. One of the most effective ways we support student growth is through targeted support—an approach that tailors learning experiences to meet each student’s specific needs.

What is Targeted Support?

Targeted support means providing focused instruction, interventions, and learning experiences based on a student’s current level of understanding. It’s about recognising that all children learn at different paces and in different ways—and adapting teaching methods accordingly.

Rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach, targeted support helps students:

• Consolidate foundational skills if they need more time and practice
• Be extended with challenging tasks if they are ready to move ahead
• Receive additional help in specific areas in maths

How Does It Work at Our School?

Our teachers use a variety of tools and assessments to understand each child’s progress. This includes:

• Formative assessments (quizzes, observations, student work samples and daily anecdotes)
• NAPLAN and Essential Assessment data
• Pat Maths Data- Adaptive and linear data
• Teacher judgement and classroom learning tasks

Based on this information, students may be:

• Grouped for small focus lessons during class to work with an LSO
• Invited to join intervention programs such as GRIN or extension groups
• Given learning tasks at their point of need through differentiated learning

How Targeted Support Helps

✅ Improves confidence – Students feel more successful when they work on goals that are just right for them

✅ Closes learning gaps – Focused instruction addresses misunderstandings before they grow

✅ Encourages growth – Children are challenged appropriately, helping them progress at their own pace

✅ Builds strong foundations – Early support in numeracy sets children up for long-term success

What Can Parents Do at Home?

You are a vital part of the learning partnership. Here’s how you can support targeted learning at home:

• Talk to your child’s teacher – Ask about your child’s strengths and areas to work on
• Celebrate small wins – Recognise effort and growth, not just the final result
• Use school tools – Encourage regular use of platforms like Essential Assessment, My Numeracy and Sun Set Maths for  developing number fluency
• Stick to routines – A consistent homework and reading routine reinforces classroom learning
• Encourage a growth mindset – Remind your child that mistakes are part of learning - Mistakes are golden opportunities for us to grow in our learning

Every child learns differently. With targeted support, we can ensure that each student feels known, valued, and supported in their learning journey through check-ins, targeted teaching and assessment reviews.

Together, we can help every learner thrive.