Mathematics at GEC

This column will be about all topics in Mathematics and Numeracy in GEC.

In this newsletter, to start with, let us look at the topic ‘Mathematics and Numeracy’ in itself.

We hear about Mathematics and then we hear about Numeracy. So are they both the same or are they different?

As mentioned in the Australian curriculum website (URL: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/general-capabilities/numeracy/), the definition and the meaning of ‘Numeracy’ can be well summarised as:

“Numeracy encompasses the knowledge, skills, behaviours and dispositions that students need to use mathematics in a wide range of situations. It involves students recognising and understanding the role of mathematics in the world and having the dispositions and capacities to use mathematical knowledge and skills purposefully.”

Hence, while Mathematics can be related to gaining knowledge and skills in solving problems in various topics such as Numbers, Algebra, Shapes, Measurement, Data and Probability, Numeracy skills can be related to the capacity of students in being able to apply those mathematical knowledge in any other areas as simple as using their percentage skills in shopping or using their knowledge and skills in finding bearings in Geography or to the extent of using probability and algebra skills in Artificial Intelligence, speaking of being trendier with the topic.

You can find more information on https://numeracyguidedet.global2.vic.edu.au/evidence-base/ and also here is a link for parents to explore to know more about Maths and Numeracy that also has fun numeracy activities to share at home with your child

http://numeracyguidedet.global2.vic.edu.au/numeracy-at-home/

Wishing you all a wonderful 2021!

Arivu Kumaran

Maths Learning Area Leader