Planning for
Numeracy Across Learning
within
STEM
(STEM disciplines - Science, Technologies,
Engineering and Mathematics)
Project aim
to help identify, plan and implement strategies by
which to strengthen the learning and teaching of
numeracy and to provide meaningful contexts
and scenarios for making connections across
learning.
Embedding STEM within NAL
• a clear focus on CfE numeracy experiences & outcomes
• generate and strengthen meaningful learning contexts for
numeracy by which to increase pupil motivation and engagement.
• promote numeracy skills development for pupils and staff
• capitalise on opportunities offered by ICT and Glow
• considered issues relating to the development of a portfolio of
students’ achievement
Exemplar
Kelso HS
Bridge Building
Curriculum focus: English, Computing, and maths
‘KHS Numeracy Committee felt we needed to pursue a
cross-cutting theme Numeracy project that wasn’t
contrived. The project involved S1 classes working in
student-selected groups to design a new bridge at
Nenthorn. Students researched three bridge designs;
and used computer software to agree and test bridge
design.’
Exemplar Numeracy Across Learning Action Plan
Kelso HS
Bridge Building
Kelso HS
Bridge Building
Exemplar Numeracy Across Learning Action Plan
Kelso HS
Success Critieria
Bridge Building
Group Presentation
• Evidence of appropriate numeracy eg scale, money
• Evidence of ICT use e.g. software package
• Evidence of literacy e.g. Talking, listening and presenting
• Overall quality of group presentation eg structure,
innovation, design justification, consideration of other
issues eg environmental
Planning and processes
• identify a lead person to take responsibility
• in most cases maths teachers had a key role
• create opportunities for staff to meet and plan
• Identify and provide appropriate CPD to meet staff
needs
• communicate clearly to all involved, inc. parents and
other partners outside school
Practical Advice
• assess staff expectations of their contributory role
• undertake a numeracy audit then plan for action
• identify where connections in learning are already in place
• facilitate collaborative planning, sharing of ideas &
feedback.
• begin to build a straightforward & sustainable portfolio of
students’ achievements
Exemplar: NAL Action Planning
Subject/
Pupil Stage
Lesson Themes
Big ideas, concepts,
numeracy focus
Notes (including potential
dates)
Exemplar:
Hermitage Academy
S1 Gardening
Curriculum focus: whole school policy
Aim:
The development of a consistent cross-school or crossdepartmental approach to numeracy approaches or
methodologies, in particular those related to
measurement, graph and chart work and basic number
processes. A common understanding and use of basic
processes by teachers, pupils (and perhaps parents) is
to be developed.
Exemplar:
Hermitage Academy
S1 Gardening
Initial steps towards NAL:
•
•
•
•
•
•
establish whole school Numeracy Group
develop close links with Literacy Group
offer Numeracy and Literacy awareness raising day
focus on opportunities for interdisciplinary working
conduct school Numeracy Audit and hold Staff Quiz
provide opportunities to explore practical applications of
mathematics and numeracy
• focus on improving use of appropriate numeracy
methods
Hermitage Academy
Gardening
Skills for life
14
Hermitage Academy
Gardening
Evaluation and Impact
• staff better understand key features of CfE
• audits of numeracy leading to policy development
• better integration of numeracy concepts and skills across
learning
• increased use of authentic contexts for learning and of
the local environment
Next steps
• agree how to best to evaluate the impact of numeracy
across learning
• to involve more departments at the planning stage
• planning for extension to include other foci, curriculum
areas and other student cohorts
• build a sustainable portfolio of students’ achievements
Exemplar
Musselburgh Grammar School
S2 HWB
“Our project concerns Health & Wellbeing and will
involve students in learning across four curricular
areas. Students will learn about the issues affecting
health, focusing in particular on lifestyle choices,
exercise and dietary issues. Numeracy will be picked
out in all lessons and integrated across the topic. The
departments involved include: Mathematics, Biology,
Home Economics and PE.”
Musselburgh Grammar School
Exemplar Numeracy Across Learning Action Plan
S2 HWB
Curriculum focus: Biology
BMI =
Body Mass (Kg)
(Height (m))2
Reflective questions
• What arrangements are currently in place for NAL?
• What more could be done?
• How do you ensure that planning and organisation is
effective?
• How could you ensure that successful connections across
learning can be embedded in practice?
• What are the staffing, timetabling and resource implications?
• How do you ensure that you fully involve appropriate people?
• How do you ensure that pupils are involved?