Mathematics
Maths at Sacred Heart
Term 3 Maths Summary
In Term 3, our focus in Mathematics was on turning new skills into habits. Students strengthened their fluency through daily practice with TTRS and NumBots, while also developing efficiency and accuracy during lessons. We were thrilled to see engagement at home steadily grow, with students spending more time on TTRS and NumBots outside of school.
Rocket Maths was introduced this term, running weekly lunchtime sessions on Mondays for selected Prep to Year 3, the program has supported 27 students across four year levels. This approach has seen significant connection and collaboration across year levels. We are excited to continue Rocket Maths in Term 4.
Finally, planning for 2026 is underway. We are exploring best practices in Mathematics teaching, strategies for extension and intervention, problem-solving approaches, and learning from observations of other schools, all aimed at continuing to strengthen teaching and learning at Sacred Heart.
Times Table Rock Stars
Throughout Term 3, Times Table Rock Stars has become an embedded habit across the school, supporting students to strengthen their fluency and confidence with multiplication facts. Each year level for Year 3 to Year 6 now follows a clear schedule that balances different modes of practice with one session per week on paper, one session on NumBots, and additional sessions focusing on targeted practice through TTRS.
This structured approach has brought greater consistency across classrooms, making it easier to monitor progress, celebrate achievements, and ensure that all students are engaging regularly with multiplication fluency. Teachers are confidently embedding these routines into their weekly programs, and the combined impact of in class practice and home engagement continues to drive steady growth in number fluency across all year levels.
| Year level | End of year expectations | Term 1 average | Term 2 average | Term 3 average |
| 2 | 8.00 seconds | 7.45 seconds | 7.42 seconds | 6.56 seconds |
| 3M | 5.00 seconds | 7.32 seconds | 5.34 seconds | 4.30 seconds |
| 4C | 3.00 seconds | 4.25 seconds | 3.38 seconds | 3.05 seconds |
| 4P | 3.00 seconds | 3.85 seconds | 3.11 seconds | 2.63 seconds |
| 5B | 2.80 seconds | 3.63 seconds | 3.31 seconds | 2.70 seconds |
| 5T | 2.80 seconds | 3.82 seconds | 3.26 seconds | 3.07 seconds |
| 6B | 2.70 seconds | 3.89 seconds | 2.70 seconds | 2.02 seconds |
| 6N | 2.70 seconds | 3.87 seconds | 2.73 seconds | 2.55 seconds |
The growth and development we are seeing across all year levels is excellent, demonstrating that students are becoming increasingly confident with automatic recall of multiplication facts. This progress reflects not only the effectiveness of structured practice routines but also the students’ commitment to regular engagement, both at school and at home, as they continue to build a strong foundation in mathematics.
Australian Mathematics Competition
Earlier this term, two of our students took part in the Australian Maths Competition for Upper Primary. This online assessment challenged them with a range of problem-solving questions, requiring persistence, logical thinking, and creativity. We would like to congratulate Edward and Micaela on their hard work, determination, and willingness to extend themselves through this opportunity. Well done!
Maths at Home Recommendation
Game: Maths Treasure Hunt
Aim: Use maths skills to follow clues and find hidden treasure.
Set-Up
- Create a Map: Draw a simple map of your home, backyard, or another familiar space. Mark 5–10 treasure spots with an “X”.
Prepare Clues: For each spot, write a maths clue that leads to the next location instead of naming it directly.
Examples:
- “I am 3 × 4. Go to the place that’s this many steps from the front door.”
- “I am half of 18. Look under something with this many letters in its name.”
How to Play
- Give your child the first clue.
- They solve the problem, find the matching location, and discover either:
- the next clue
- a sticker or small reward
- a riddle or mini-challenge
- Continue until they reach the final treasure.
Grand Finale
Hide a small treat, a puzzle, or a “Maths Treasure Hunter” certificate at the last spot.
Make It Trickier
- Use two-step problems: “Double 6, then subtract 5.”
- Add fractions, decimals, or negative numbers for older learners.
- Include a timer for a race-style challenge.
Fun Variations
- Let your child design the hunt for you or siblings to encourage creativity and clue-writing.
- Work in teams for cooperative problem-solving and a friendly competition.
Why It’s Great
- Builds problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Strengthens number fluency in a playful way.
- Adds movement and excitement to at-home learning
“Every master was once a beginner.” — Unknown
Mathematics is a skill that grows one step at a time. Just like learning to read, regular, short practice, through NumBots, Times Table Rock Stars, card games, puzzles, or real-life problem-solving helps children build confidence, notice patterns, and develop strategies. Mistakes are not setbacks; they are part of the learning journey. Every effort, however small, strengthens the foundation for future success.
Mak Bulte
Maths Leader