Mathematics
Maths at Sacred Heart
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
As we approach the end of Term 2, I’ve been reviewing student results and honestly, the numbers speak for themselves. To say I’m impressed with the students’ efforts would be an understatement — their progress has been outstanding.
Westwood One Minute Maths is a quick fluency check that helps assess and build students’ fundamental math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Students have one minute to answer as many questions as possible, promoting speed, accuracy, and confidence with essential number facts. This tool enables teachers to regularly monitor progress and pinpoint areas where additional support may be needed.
Our One Minute Maths check-ins have revealed some incredible achievements: a Year 1 student improved their addition score by 11 within just one minute, a Year 3 student doubled their division answers, and in the senior years, many students reached an impressive 33 correct answers, completing the test in under a minute. These results clearly demonstrate growing fluency and confidence across all year levels.
Additionally, every class has shown improved average answer times on Times Table Rock Stars. This progress is no accident — it reflects the consistent hard work and commitment students show both at school and at home. Daily practice is helping to build automaticity with number facts, strengthening their overall math foundation. Our junior students are also benefiting from this approach through access to NumBots, alongside their daily math lessons and targeted skill practice.
Maths at Home Recommendation
Looking for easy ways to support your child’s maths learning at home?
What you need: A deck of playing cards (remove the face cards or assign them a value like Jack = 11, Queen = 12, King = 13) or any set of number cards.
How to play:
1. Shuffle the cards and place them face down.
2. Each player draws two cards.
3. Add the two cards together to find the total.
4. Compare totals: Who has the higher total? How much higher?
5. Try subtracting the smaller total from the bigger one to find the difference.
6. For a challenge, multiply the two cards’ values and see who has the larger product!
Why it’s great: This game practices addition, subtraction, and multiplication while encouraging quick mental math. It’s easy, fun, and perfect for short bursts of maths learning at home.
Playing with cards is a simple and effective way to build confidence with numbers. It helps children practice important math skills like addition, subtraction, and multiplication in a fun, relaxed setting. Why not try playing a card game together one evening as a family? It’s a great way to learn, connect, and enjoy quality time all at once!
“Mathematics is the music of reason.” — James Joseph Sylvester
Maths isn’t just about numbers on a page—it’s a way of making sense of the world around us. From the rhythm of footsteps to the shape of leaves, maths is all around us, waiting to be discovered.
When children explore maths through everyday activities—like measuring ingredients, playing games, or using apps like NumBots—they’re not just learning facts; they’re developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Each little moment of curiosity and practice helps build a strong foundation and a lifelong confidence in maths.
Mak Bulte
Maths Leader