Maths Education

Lifting the Standard in Maths

An article published last month in The Age 'Unproven teaching methods have failed primary students and teachers', has drawn attention to a growing national concern - too many primary students are being let down by inconsistent and unstructured approaches to teaching mathematics. The report highlights that many schools have relied on out-of-date or experimental methods, leaving students without the foundational skills they need and teachers without the clear guidance to teach effectively.Early in 2024, we made the conscious decision to embed Ochre Education’s mathematics resources across all year levels, as the backbone of our maths program. These resources are based on evidence, designed by expert Australian educators, and aligned with a structured, cumulative approach to learning. Each lesson builds logically on the last, helping students gain the deep understanding and fluency they need to grow in confidence and skill.Our teachers use these materials not as a script, but as a strong base from which they can differentiate instruction:

• Scaffolds are added to support students who need more time or guided practice.
• Extension tasks allow students ready for a challenge to apply their thinking in more complex ways.

Alongside the resources, our staff draw on well-established engagement norms to ensure every child is actively participating in their learning. Through full-class participation, regular checks for understanding, and a culture of real-time feedback, teachers are constantly gauging how well students are grasping the content and adjusting their teaching accordingly. By embedding Ochre Education’s structured approach and combining it with high-impact teaching strategies, we are ensuring that every student receives the quality math's education they deserve.

Dean Butler

Deputy Principal