Learning and Teaching

Teaching & Learning

A message from Mrs Hodgetts

What is a rubric? A rubric is a tool used to evaluate student work against criteria by providing clear expectations through descriptors.

Each term, the staff will share with parents the rubric used to evaluate the project undertaken as part of your child's learning in Inquiry. As discussed in previous newsletters, this term the focus is  Health.  Therefore, be on the lookout towards the end of this term where your child's individual rubric will be shared via Seesaw. Rubrics such as these, provide timely feedback to both students and parents and a create opportunities for discussion and improvement.

Mathematics

A message from Mrs Toney

The Importance of Being Fluent with Maths Facts

Maths is all around us, from counting coins at the shop to measuring ingredients for a recipe. For children, having strong maths fact fluency—quickly recalling basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts—is an essential skill that builds confidence and success in more complex problem-solving.

What is Maths Fluency? Maths fluency means being able to recall basic number facts instantly and accurately, without needing to count on fingers or use a number line. This frees up mental energy to focus on understanding and solving more complicated problems.

Why is it Important?

1. Boosts Confidence – When children know their maths facts, they feel more confident tackling new challenges.
2. Reduces Frustration – Struggling with basic calculations can slow down learning and cause frustration.
3. Supports Problem-Solving – Fluency helps children focus on reasoning and applying maths concepts, rather than getting stuck on simple calculations.
4. Prepares for Real-Life Maths – From telling time to budgeting pocket money, strong maths skills are useful every day!

How Can You Help at Home?

• Practice Little and Often – Just a few minutes of daily practice can make a big difference!
• Use Fun Games – Card games, dice games, or apps make maths practice more enjoyable.
• Encourage Mental Maths – Ask quick questions during daily activities, like “What’s 7 + 5?” or “How many more minutes until bedtime?”
• Praise Effort and Progress – Celebrate improvements to keep motivation high.

By helping children build fluency with their maths facts, we give them a strong foundation for future learning. Let’s work together to make maths fun and accessible for all!