Numeracy

Mathematics at St Edmund’s College

The mathematics program is designed to build students’ confidence and competence in using mathematics and numeracy in everyday contexts, starting with the foundational skills introduced in primary school. The program supports the development of essential numeracy skills such as counting, measuring, estimating, and interpreting data, that students need to make informed decisions in daily life. It fosters students’ ability to communicate using the language of mathematics while developing understanding, fluency, and problem-solving strategies. Each mathematics lesson includes additional staffing to provide explicit, targeted intervention, ensuring all students’ learning needs are met. Through a hands-on and engaging approach, students make meaningful connections between mathematical concepts and real-world applications, supporting their independence and lifelong learning.

Stage 3 (Years 5-6)

Stage 3 investigate:

• Geometric properties of 2D and 3D shapes, measure length, area, volume, mass, angles, time, and interpret data and chance experiments. These units support students to think critically, reason mathematically, and apply their skills to real-world contexts.

Stages 4–5 (Years 7–10)

In Stage 4 and 5, students explore a broad range of mathematical areas, including:

• Time and measurement
• Geometry and position
• Data and probability

Financial Mathematics is a major focus from Stage 4 onwards. Students develop the ability to:

• Calculate with money
• Estimate with money
• Identify personal finances
• Understand digital money management

Hands-on learning experiences include:

• Budgeting at the class shop and retail classroom  
• Using public transport apps and timetables to plan a journey
• Measuring ingredients for recipes
• Online purchasing tasks
• Excursions to supermarkets, shopping centres and Bunnings

These activities help students apply their learning in real-world contexts and build independence in practical mathematical skills.

Stages 6 (Years 11–12)

In the senior years, the program continues to develop students' understanding of how mathematics applies in post-school contexts. Students focus on:

• Interpreting and using numerical information
• Mathematical thinking and reasoning
• Applying mathematical language for effective communication
• Problem-solving in real-life situations

Financial Mathematics remains a core component. Students engage in:

• Budgeting, saving, and borrowing money
• Visiting local stores to practise purchasing, comparing prices, and using self-service checkouts
• Goal setting and progress tracking using checklists
• Learning independence in money management and decision-making
• Project work researching the cost of mobile payment plans, travel, eating out, home delivery, streaming services and gym memberships.     

Further learning of Mathematical concepts involving time, measurement and statistics includes:

• Travelling around Sydney on public transport  
• Planning and catering for events such as a farewell BBQ
• Preparing meals and snacks
• Collecting and analysing data from the community

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

All students participate in the Mathematical Assessment Interview (MAI), a diagnostic tool that identifies strengths and challenges in numeracy areas such as:

• Counting
• Place value
• Addition and subtraction
• Multiplication and division

Growth point data from the MAI informs targeted interventions using group work, manipulatives, visual aids, and technology to support individual learning needs.

Technology and Motivation

Students have access to the Mathletics platform, which supports both classroom and at-home learning. Teachers assign personalised tasks and monitor progress, while students are motivated through certificates awarded in class and at assemblies.