During Mathematics teaching emphasis is placed on providing rich and authentic numeracy learning experiences so that students become confident and creative users of Mathematics. We aim to develop the numeracy capabilities that all students need in their personal, work and civic life, and provide the fundamentals on which mathematical specialties and applications of mathematics are built. We use Pearson & Gallagher's (1983) Gradual Release of Responsibility Model as a guiding framework for teaching numeracy and a Balanced Numeracy Program. A Balanced Numeracy Program incorporates a variety of numeracy strategies, carefully selected materials for each activity, and a responsive teacher that is linked to everyday life and across the curriculum.
We ensure every Mathematics lesson has a warm up (5-10 minutes), body of lesson which may include whole class teaching, individual and or group work (20-30 minutes) and reflection time (5-10 minutes). Time is given to think and talk about Mathematics, to work both independently and collaboratively and construct meaning through practical, hands on activities. We encourage the diversity of solutions to problem solving and foster efficient number strategies. Strategies are explicitly taught to support an understanding of numbers and mental computation. We implement a spiraling approach towards teaching mathematics, revisiting concepts across the year at the individual levels of our students.
Mathematics teaching at IPECS is thought provoking, open-ended, hands on, fun and not taught from a single book or program.