Mathematics Learning Area Snapshot

Tackling Tables

Learning times tables takes commitment and dedication, so why bother? Everyone has a calculator or a phone these days, so why spend time and effort learning times tables? As experienced educators, we know that learning multiplication is still an essential part of your child’s education. It will give them a solid foundation in mathematics, which will help throughout their school life & beyond.

Times tables are the building blocks for other maths topics. Your child will struggle with things such as long division, algebra and fractions if they cannot recall their Tables. Often, it is not a lack of understanding that holds back a child’s progress, but a lack of these basic skills. Your child may fall behind and lose confidence if learning Times Tables is not addressed.

Apart from benefits to your child’s Mathematical progress, we feel that the discipline of learning the times Tables is also beneficial in developing essential skills such as attention to detail and a focused mental attitude. Learning times tables can be challenging, but it is not difficult given sufficient motivation and practice. There are numerous Apps for your device and websites that can help.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Have a times tables chart on the back of the toilet door for practice.
• Have a times tables chart on the fridge.
• When driving to and from school or sporting activities, you can ‘test’ your child’s tables
• Create a competition between siblings
• Download free apps onto your child’s device and encourage use
• Access free websites such as Cool Maths Games to find practice
• It is recommended to spend 10-15 minutes each day 

Recommended App’s

Rebekah Smith, Mathematics, HoLA

Year 7 Fraction Flowers

Miss Savage’s class have applied their understanding of equivalent fractions to produce ‘fraction flowers’ during one of their most recent lessons.

Rebekah Smith, Mathematics, HoLA

Externally Set Task

Monday 12 May was the 2025 External Set Task (EST). Every student enrolled in Essential Mathematics across Western Australia is required to sit the EST each year.

After months of preparing the students, today was the day.

It was very pleasing to see students well prepared and ready to give their personal best.

Rebekah Smith, Mathematics, HoLA

Year 7 Fraction Lesson

On a sunny Period 5 on Friday last week, 7mat1_6 and 7mat1_11 took part in an equivalent fraction activity out on the central quad. Each student was given a card with a fraction written on it. The aim was to form a group with their classmates, whose fractions matched theirs. The catch - the first 3 minutes of the activity were in silence. 

One team from 7mat1_11 managed to complete their task before the 3-minute silence was up - a fantastic feat considering the limitations in their communication efforts.

All students managed to form their groups and were given a lollipop for their efforts. Thank you to Mr Blazevic and Ms Collins for their support with this activity.

Nathanael Boon said, "I learnt how to multiply fractions to make them equivalent and enjoyed being outside working on team building skills."

Joyce Jin said, "I learnt how to divide and simplify fractions and enjoyed the reward at the end of the activity."

Alex Wilkes and Joel Blazevic, Mathematics Teachers