Mathematics @ ENPS

Learning in Mathematics Version 2.0

Proficiency in Mathematics

The proficiencies of Understanding, Fluency, Reasoning and Problem-solving are embedded in all six strands of the Mathematics curriculum 2.0 that will begin being taught in 2025.

A Focus on Understanding

Mathematics provides opportunities for students to build and refine a robust knowledge of adaptable and transferable mathematical concepts, structures and procedures. Students make connections between related ideas, progressively draw on their reasoning skills to adapt and transfer understanding of familiar applications to unfamiliar contexts, and cultivate new ideas. They develop an understanding of the relationship between the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of mathematics. Students build conceptual understanding and procedural fluency when they connect related ideas, represent concepts in different ways, identify commonalities and differences between aspects of content, describe their thinking mathematically and interpret mathematical information.

Learners with understanding are positioned to make more discerning choices between strategies and methods - as active agents of mathematical inquiry and problem solving. Learners with understanding are better equipped to become confident, capable and mathematically literate citizens.

Ways mathematical understanding is developing at school and at home:

Asking questions to clarify ideas.
Respectfully challenging others ideas without it being seen as criticism.
Taking time for deep thinking.
Presenting more than one solution to a problem and exploring multiple ways of understanding and representing mathematical ideas.
Celebrating mistakes as mistakes are essential allies and result in deeper understanding.

(Adapted from the VCAA: Mathematics Curriculum 2.0)

Students in Year Five used wooden rods to build an understanding of how parts of a fraction can change depending on how big the whole is:

Students in Year Two used materials, drawings, worded sentences and number sentences to show their understanding of division:

Melissa Paola

Mathematics Learning Specialist and Year Six Teacher