Numeracy

Numeracy at Deer Park West Primary School

At Deer Park West Primary School, high-quality mathematics teaching is a priority. We are committed to developing confident, capable problem-solvers who can apply their mathematical understanding in meaningful ways.

Key features of our Mathematics program include:

Daily, structured mathematics instruction:
All students engage in daily mathematics learning, building strong foundations in number, algebra, measurement, geometry, statistics and probability.

Daily number talks:
Students participate in short, focused number talks each day to develop mental computation strategies, flexibility with numbers, and mathematical reasoning. These discussions encourage students to explain their thinking, learn from others, and build confidence in working with numbers.

Explicit teaching aligned to VTLM 2.0:
Our teaching is guided by the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0. Teachers use clear learning intentions and success criteria, along with explicit instruction, worked examples, guided practice and feedback to support deep understanding.

Concrete–pictorial–abstract approach:
Students are introduced to mathematical concepts through hands-on learning using manipulatives such as MAB blocks, counters, measurement tools and visual models. This supports students to move from concrete understanding to abstract thinking.

Problem-solving and reasoning focus:
Students are taught to explain their thinking, use precise mathematical language and apply strategies to solve increasingly complex problems.

Responsive teaching and differentiation:
Teachers use whole-class, small group and targeted teaching strategies to meet students at their point of need, ensuring appropriate challenge and support.

Data-informed practice:
Assessment and ongoing monitoring guide instruction, allowing teachers to set goals, track progress and provide targeted support or extension.

Building confident mathematicians:
We promote positive dispositions towards mathematics, encouraging persistence, curiosity and a willingness to take risks in learning.

What you can do at home to support your child’s Numeracy learning

  • Find opportunities in everyday life for counting, such as counting items when shopping, including fruit and vegetables

  • Look for numbers in the environment, such as when out walking, read numbers on letter boxes or road signs

  • Play board games and card games with your child to practise addition and subtraction, chance and probability

  • Take your children shopping and let them estimate how much the shopping is going to come to, based on the prices of the items you are buying

  • Order food items from smallest to largest based on their capacity or weight

  • When cooking from a recipe, have your child do the measuring of ingredients

  • Dice make a great addition to any toy collection. Roll the dice and say, make or write the numbers identified. Roll the dice and add/multiply the numbers together to find the total