Learning & 

Teaching

Equity and Excellence in Mathematics learning at St Joseph's 

Last year MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools) introduced their new Vision for Instruction. This statement outlined how Catholic schools would achieve equity and excellence across all Catholic schools. Based in the the most current research into effect teaching practises it focused firstly on improving Mathematics outcomes. 

The MACS vision for mathematics instruction involves: 

• developing number sense – understanding quantities and numbers, and how to represent them with objects and numerals 
• building fluency – mastering basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division 
• teaching mathematics concepts – understanding the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of mathematics in combination with procedures and rules
• using concrete materials – using physical resources and visual representations to show concepts and procedures 
• using problem-solving strategies – organising work based on the structure of a problem • using explicit instruction – providing opportunities for students to explain their work and thinking in oral and written forms
• using precise mathematics language – using correct terminology when discussing steps for solving problems. 

It was extremely affirming when this document was released as it mirrored our vision for Mathematics at St Joseph's. With our policies and procedures highlighting the following: 

• building teacher content and pedagogy knowledge
• explicitly teaching fluency and written strategies
• following a model of teaching with concrete materials, moving to visuals and then written methods
• engaging in problem solving to apply multistep mathematics
• using and building correct mathematical vocabulary. 
• ongoing review and practise to embed skills

With these practises currently in place along with the amazing resources created by catholic teachers and shared with schools our Mathematics learning continues to go from strength to strength. 

A big congratulations to our teachers for the amazing work they have done over the past few years and for supporting our students to continue to grow and flourish in Mathematics.