Mathematics
Lysterfield Primary School teaches Mathematics in line with the Victorian Curriculum F-10 Version 2.0. The curriculum is comprised of six strands – Number, Algebra, Measurement, Space, Statistics and Probability, as well as four proficiencies – Understanding, Fluency, Reasoning and Problem Solving. Students have every opportunity to learn and develop their potential, and teachers are committed to explicitly teaching Mathematics every day.
Mathematics
Measurement
Space
Statistics
Probability
Algebra
Number
Lesson Plans
Mathematics lessons at LPS follow a detailed, granular and progressive scope and sequence that honours the relentlessly hierarchical nature of mathematics and ensures that students are explicitly taught, and provided the opportunity to master prerequisite and foundational skills, before being asked to apply these to problem solving tasks.
Mathematics is taught in ‘small manageable chunks’ with explicit modelling and explanations by the teacher, followed by guided practise that involves regular error correction, misconception identification and actionable feedback to students. Once students have shown competence in a skill, they are then ‘released to independence’ to practise the skill or concept independently to ensure it is securely embedded in long term memory. This process of teaching and learning is called the Gradual Release of Responsibility, more commonly known as ‘I do, We do, You do’ and has been shown to increase success in mathematics learning.
Daily Reviews
Mathematics learning is enhanced through Daily Reviews, which see students engage in regular retrieval practise of concepts and skills they have previously learnt. Retrieval practise is a research-based teaching strategy that supports students to remember, consolidate and strengthen the maths they have learnt to ensure it is durable and easily retrievable when they might need those skills in the future. Through our Daily Reviews, we provide our students with regular opportunities to retrieve the most foundational of maths skills to support their progression to mastery.
Maths Masters
Lysterfield Primary School is also proud to run the LPS Maths Masters Program. This program seeks to build fluency and automaticity with number concepts and number facts in our students. By increasing fluency, cognitive bandwidth is released to attend to more complex problem solving and critical thinking tasks. Through LPS Maths Masters, students practise a series of skills in short sessions across the week. When fluent in a group of skills, students receive a coloured belt award in recognition of their achievements. This whole school program consists of 9 coloured belts, so students practise skills at their point of need, and always have a belt they are striving to achieve – that is until they achieve Black Belt and become an LPS Maths Master!
