Assistant Principal's Report

Introducing the Science of Learning to Mathematics at GWPS

Our school philosophy is that:

1. Students are at the centre of everything that we do

2. Building Staff Capacity is paramount and

3. Everything we do is based on research and a Whole School Approach

As such, we are proud to share that we have adopted a whole school approach to the teaching and learning of Mathematics from Prep to Year 6 that aligns with the most up to date research. Extensive research from both Department of Education and external sources was undertaken in 2024 which included visiting other schools, engaging with externally provided professional learning and unpacking the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 followed by trialling and evaluating curriculum resources.

Our implementation of sequenced Mathematics units, with explicit teaching at the core, has seen students respond positively to new routines and processes. Lessons are delivered with a predictable structure that includes:

• Daily review – to consolidate student understanding and develop fluency in essential numeracy skills, crucial to make remembering happen
• Learning objectives – an embedded GWPS practice of utilising Learning Intention and Success Criteria so students know what they are learning and how to succeed 
• Keywords – defining key vocabulary that students need to understand to access the lesson’s learning 
• Activating prior knowledge – ensuring students have the prerequisite knowledge for the day’s lesson, allowing them to focus on new learning
• Explicit teaching of a new concept using the “I do, We do, You do” framework
  • The “I do” phase involves the explanation - the teacher is explaining a concept
  • Moving from “I do” to “We do” involves modelling - the teacher is demonstrating a skill or modelling a process
  • Check for Understanding - questions are posed to check whether students have understood and to inform next steps
  • “You do” - Practice - students attempt questions independently
• Lesson review – to reflect on the learning objectives and successes.

We are supporting students to build mastery in Mathematics by using teaching methods that support how they learn best. Through consistent practice and revisiting key concepts, we facilitate learning by shifting information from short term memory to long term memory ensuring students can apply their learning with confidence.