Our Philosophy 

At Burwood East Primary School students are provided with authentic numeracy learning experiences that are challenging, exciting and enjoyable. Structures within all classes cater for individual differences through the provision of open-ended learning activities and project based assessment tasks. A wide range of equipment is always available at all age levels. All mathematical concepts are progressively developed within the context of meaningful learning situations. Numeracy at all levels encompasses cooperative learning and child centred problem solving activities as well as the use of modern technology such as computers and calculators.

All students learn to have a growth mindset in Mathematics. This is the understanding that everyone can change and grow through application and experience. Students are frequently asked to explain where they are in the ‘Learning Pit’ throughout a Mathematics topic and are supported through differentiated tasks and small focus groups to have those ‘a-ha’ moments.

Our Approach

At Burwood East Primary School, we use the TILES approach to teaching for all of our Mathematics lessons. All staff have been teaching Mathematics based on the following model.

TI – Tuning In: The Warm Up. Students play a maths skill based game, usually with dice or cards, to engage in the lesson.

LE– Learn and Explore: Modelled/Guided/Independent. Teachers explicitly teach relevant knowledge, they present students with assisted tasks and then allow students to challenge themselves independently through a range of activities and individual learning goals.

S – Share: Reflection. Teachers support students to continuously refine and improve their work by discussing what worked and how we could refine our approach to reach our goals.

Planning and Assessment

Essential Assessment is used across all levels to determine what students already know and what their future learning needs are in Mathematics. This program allows students to complete a pre-test, work through assigned learning tasks based on identified areas of improvement and then measure progress by completing a post-test. Students can then work through tasks based on their areas for further development from the post-test. Classes from Year 1 to 6 utilise this program frequently to support planning and assessment, while the Foundation students are exposed to the program throughout the year.

In Foundation, students are involved in the Mathematics Online Interview. This is a resource for schools to use when planning and implementing a strategic and comprehensive approach to early years mathematics teaching and learning for all students in the first five years of schooling.  

Additional Support

At Burwood East Primary School, we have a Mathematics Learning Specialist available to support teachers with assessment and planning. The role of the Learning Specialist also extends to providing further extension and intervention support to students throughout the school.