K - Yr 6 Learning
Armidale Diocesan Mathematics Initiative (MaST)
What is happening in the world of mathematics in K- 2 at St Mary's ?
Let's take a look!
Please see the information below to assist your child at home.
Maths At Home:
Kindergarten - Addition
Kindergarten now it is time for Addition. Have fun!
Encourage your child to help you when out shopping by counting and collecting objects to put into the basket, e.g. ‘Can you get 2 apples? (add more) How many do we have altogether?’
When playing with building bricks or small toys, encourage your child to count how many of each colour or size.
Play simple board games and encourage your child to count the spots shown on the dice and the number of spaces to move.
Sing number-themed counting rhymes and use your fingers or small props to help count the items, e.g. 10 Green Bottles.
Addition Activities:
How many fingers do you see?
How many more will make 10?
Then try with beads!
Click on the links below:
Stage 1 - Subtraction
For many years, the expectation was that students use the formal written algorithm rather than their own mental strategies for addition and subtraction. Last year we had an enjoyable and informative visit from the Cookie Monster...wonder if he will return!
Rather than teach rules and procedures, we now need to encourage students to explain their strategies using both concrete materials and diagrams to demonstrate their knowledge of addition and subtraction.
Whenever possible try and point out the concept of subtraction in everyday situations. If there are four birds in the garden, then one flies away, ask, “How many now?” and count them together.
New K-2 Syllabus
Since 2020 the NSW Curriculum Reform has been shaping a new K-2 Syllabus. This year, our K-2 teachers have been implementing the new English and Mathematics Syllabus. The new curriculum gives students more time to focus on key concepts so they can acquire a deeper understanding of essential knowledge and skills. It ensures students develop strong foundations for learning as they prepare for life and work in a complex and fast-changing world.
The new syllabuses emphasise key concepts, identify essential knowledge and skills and include new outcomes to clearly show what is essential. To reflect the outcomes of the new English and Mathematics syllabuses, the language of the Semester 1 reports will change. Please see the tables below which compare the outcomes and language of the old and new syllabuses. If you have a child in Kindergarten, Year 1 or Year 2, these are the new areas that will be part of the Semester 1 report.
| English: Old Language | English: New Language |
|---|---|
Speaking and Listening Writing and Representing Reading and Viewing | Oral language and communication Vocabulary Phonological awareness (ES1) Print conventions (ES1) Phonic knowledge Reading fluency Reading comprehension Creating written texts Spelling Handwriting Understanding and responding to literature |
| Mathematics: Old Language | Mathematics: New Language |
|---|---|
Working Mathematically Number and Algebra Measurement and Geometry Statistics and Probability | Representing whole numbers Combining and separating quantities Forming groups Geometric Measure 2D spatial structure 3D spatial structure Non-spatial measure Data Chance |
Semester 1 Reports
Teachers are currently writing Semester 1 reports. The reports will be sent home electronically via the Compass parent portal at the end of Week 9. If parents have any questions after they receive their child's report they can contact the class teacher in week 10.
The Semester 1 Report provides parents with an overview of their child's achievement in terms of knowledge and skill in each key learning area and their level of engagement; the degree of attention, curiosity and interest they show when learning.
The government requires a five scale grading system. In place of the A-E grade, a new language is being used to describe the level of knowledge and skills demonstrated by each child:
Working towards the expected level of achievement - this is split into two sections - Working towards (D) and Working Well Below (E) the expected level
Working at the expected level of achievement (C)
Working beyond the expected level of achievement - this is split into two sections - Working Beyond (B) and Working Well Beyond (A) the expected level
ICAS Test
This year our Year 4, 5 and 6 students will have the opportunity to sit the ICAS Exams. ICAS is the largest independent competition and assessment program for schools in Australia. Each student receives an individual report as well as a certificate of acknowledgment for participation. These certificates make valuable additions to student portfolios. The exams are held on the following topics: Digital Technologies, Mathematics, English, Writing, Spelling and Science. The sitting dates for these are in August.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE ARE NOT COMPULSORY AND YOU MAY WISH TO DO AS MANY AS YOU WISH OR NONE AT ALL. EXAMS WILL BE ONLINE AND CONDUCTED IN EXAM CONDITIONS AT SCHOOL.
If you are interested in having your child participate in ICAS, please contact Judi Hansen in the school office by 21st June so we can organise the parent payment system.
Contacting Your Child's Teacher
Teachers welcome contact from parents, if you need to talk with staff please either contact the class teacher by phoning the school – 67724441 or email the school on smaadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au