Mathematics

Mathematics K–6 involves the study of number, space and measurement. By studying mathematics in Years K–6, children investigate patterns and relationships, establish a strong foundation of number, measurement and spatial skills, and develop their abilities to solve mathematical problems.

Mathematics is a creative activity. More than a body of collected knowledge and skills, it includes observing, representing, investigating and comparing patterns and relationships in different situations.

The aims of Mathematics K–6 are to:

• develop in students favourable attitudes towards and stimulate interest in mathematics;

• develop in students a sound understanding of mathematical concepts, processes and strategies and the capacity to use these in solving problems;

• develop in students the ability to recognise the mathematics in everyday situations;

• develop in students the ability to apply their mathematics to analyse situations and solve real-life problems;

• develop in students appropriate language for the effective communication of mathematical ideas and experiences;

• develop in students an appreciation of the applications to mathematics of technology, including calculators and computers;

• encourage students to use mathematics creatively in expressing new ideas and discoveries and to recognise the mathematical elements in other creative pursuits;

• challenge students to achieve at a level of accuracy and excellence appropriate to their particular stage of development.

Mathematics K–6 aims to develop mathematical power and confidence in students appropriate to their level of development — this includes the ability to investigate, to solve non-routine problems, to communicate about and through mathematics, to connect ideas within mathematics and to be motivated to learn more mathematics.

Mathematics is concerned with practical applications in many branches of human activity and has been central to most of the scientific and technological advances made in Australia and world-wide. There is a demand for people to be innovative, to be able to solve mathematical problems, communicate and to make informed decisions after analysing data. Mathematics education provides many opportunities for students to develop these skills.

The content in Mathematics K–6 is structured so that students will:

• appreciate mathematics as an essential and relevant part of life;

• develop their ability to work mathematically;

• develop their knowledge, understanding and skills related to space;

• develop their knowledge, understanding and skills related to measurement;

• develop their knowledge, understanding and skills related to number.

Outcomes for Mathematics K–6 are organised in three content strands:

• Space

• Measurement

• Number

and the process strand

• Working Mathematically.

The outcomes for Working Mathematically relate to the important and overarching skills which are expected to be achieved by students while undertaking the learning experiences in each of the three content strands. Values and Attitudes outcomes operate across all strands and are not attached to specific Stages.

Mathematics K–6 leads on to the Stage 4 (Years 7–8) Mathematics course forming part of a K–12 continuum, providing a foundation for Stage 5 and Stage 6 courses in Mathematics.