Donvale Primary School
Mathematics Policy
1. Policy Statement
The study of mathematics endeavours to develop an interest, curiosity and understanding in the
subject, as well as provide the students with a sound mathematical background. Mathematics
pervades all aspects of our lives - as citizens, in our homes and in the workplace. It has
applications in all human activities, crossing cultural and linguistic boundaries to provide a
universal way of solving problems.
2. Rationale or Purpose
The Disciplines of Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and
Probability are natural and common aspects of students’ mathematical experience in everyday
personal, study and play situations. Through the study of mathematics the students can
generalize the skills and see the relevance and practicality of what they have learned in everyday
life situations.
Through learning mathematics in school students will enjoy mathematics, develop accuracy and
speed in computational skills. They will develop skills in estimation when dealing with
mathematical situations. They will foster an understanding of mathematical reasoning and
language while viewing mathematics as an integral part of their learning – not as an isolated
subject. Students will work to achieve at or beyond their appropriate (AusVELS) standards, see
mathematical connections and be able to apply mathematical concepts, skills and processes in
posing and solving mathematical problems. They will become empowered to discuss, explain and
justify their choice of strategies and procedures. Students will develop confidence in their personal
knowledge of mathematics, to feel able both to apply it, and to acquire new knowledge and skills
when needed. They will demonstrate useful mathematical and numeracy skills for use in everyday
life.
3. Implementation
The Mathematics policy will be implemented as follows:
 The Maths co-ordinator will be responsible for overseeing the program, including whole
school activities for the school community and the school’s participation in various
Mathematics competitions and exhibitions
 Planning will be done in level teams to provide a progressive variety of activities which cover
all the mathematical dimensions
 Teaching and planning will be based on AusVELS, Curriculum Online, Nelson Guides,
Targeting Maths. EnVisionMaths and other relevant supporting materials
 Programs will reflect a ‘hands on’ approach to the learning of mathematics, utilizing a broad
range of tools and concrete materials
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Opportunities will be provided for students to develop and use mathematical skills for a variety
of real life purposes
At least a one-hour block of time will be made available daily for mathematics teaching,
learning and application, being not less than 5 hours per week per class
Staff will build upon the mathematics experiences of the students by matching students
learning needs with appropriate teaching activities enabling all students to experience
success
A broad range of multimedia technologies will be used in the classroom program, such as
Mathletics, Studyladder, Rainforest Maths and other relevant resources
Opportunities beyond the school setting will be provided for students with specific talent in
maths. eg. GATEWAYS, Australian Mathematics Trust Enrichment & Challenge
Competitions, Maths Olympiad
Professional development opportunities will be provided for all teachers
Recognise connections between the areas of mathematics and other disciplines
Assessment will be carried out by:
 Formal and informal tests
 NAPLAN - Years 3 and 5
 VCAA Assessment on Demand – May and November
 Portfolio examples with rubric analysis
 Continuous monitoring and assessment of students’ development will be reported to parents,
in writing, twice a year
4. Review and Evaluation
This policy is to be reviewed every three years for affirmation by School Council or following
referral by School Council.
This Policy was ratified by School Council on ………2013