Teaching and Learning

Changes to Junior Maths Programs in 2023

There will be a number of changes to the Junior Mathematics Program in 2023. This decision has been informed by a number of different sources of achievement data available to the mathematics department. As such, the junior maths program will look different to what it has this year and will included significantly more time for whole class instruction. A very simplified summary of these changes are found below:

Year 7

• Each fortnight will have a theme, with the teacher introducing new mathematics concepts to the entire class.
• Maths Pathway will continue to be used to deliver differentiated work related to the topics being taught in class. This allows students to work at a level and pace suited to their point of need.
• Student growth and achievement will be determined using Maths Pathway, ACER PAT tests, Projects and teacher observation.

Year 8

• The year will be split into 4 week units.
• 2 weeks will involve whole class, explicit teaching of new concepts using best practice teaching strategies for each concept.
• 2 week of Maths Pathway (mini-lessons, targeted intervention, decoding, independent module work and test).
• Student growth and achievement will be determined using Maths Pathway, ACER PAT tests, Projects and teacher observation.

Year 9

• Explicit instruction will be used to teach maths at Year 9.  Students will not use Maths Pathway.
• The main resource for questions will be the Digital Jacaranda Textbook (on the booklist).
• The VCE maths teachers have planned a course for Year 9 which will best prepare students for year 10 subjects.
• Student growth and achievement will be determined using Topic Tests, ACER PAT tests, Projects and teacher observation.