Numeracy at Winterfold Primary School
At Winterfold Primary School, we take a whole-school approach to numeracy that aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum: Mathematics and supports consistent, high-quality teaching from Kindergarten to Year 6. Our aim is to develop confident, capable mathematicians who can reason mathematically, solve problems, and apply their understanding in meaningful, real-world contexts.
Our numeracy program is underpinned by the First Steps in Mathematics teaching and learning framework. This approach supports teachers to focus on developing deep conceptual understanding, mathematical language, and efficient strategies across the mathematics content areas. Instruction is informed by what students know and understand, allowing teachers to build learning progressively and intentionally.
Explicit instruction is a core component of numeracy teaching at Winterfold. Teachers clearly model mathematical concepts, strategies, and ways of thinking, using shared language and consistent representations. Learning intentions and success criteria are made explicit, and responsibility is gradually released as students move from guided practice to independent application.
Teachers use Think Boards as a shared whole-school strategy to support reasoning, representation and communication. Think Boards provide students with multiple ways to explore a concept, including visual models, number strategies, mathematical language, and real-world connections. This approach supports students to explain their thinking, make connections between representations, and develop flexibility in problem-solving.
Numeracy is delivered through structured Numeracy Blocks, providing a balance of explicit teaching, investigative learning, guided practice, and independent application. Lessons include opportunities for students to work collaboratively, engage in mathematical inquiry, and reflect on their learning, supporting the development of positive mathematical dispositions.
Planning and review occur through Professional Learning Community (PLC) sessions, where teachers collaboratively analyse student data, unpack curriculum expectations, design targeted learning experiences, and moderate student work. This ensures consistent judgement against WA Curriculum achievement standards and coherence in teaching practices across the school.
Through this deliberate, consistent, and curriculum-aligned approach, Winterfold Primary School supports all students to develop strong mathematical understanding, confidence, and a readiness to apply mathematics beyond the classroom.