Word From the Principal

Mathematics at Kaharoa - Building Strong Learners / Ako

Mathematics has been a major focus at Kaharoa this year, and we are seeing some really positive shifts in both teaching and learning. Alongside the refreshed New Zealand Mathematics curriculum, we have introduced Maths No Problem as our school-wide approach.

There is a lot to feel positive about in mathematics at Kaharoa. Students are talking more about their thinking, trying different ways to solve problems, explaining their ideas, and building confidence to tackle challenging learning. At the same time, our teachers are working hard to strengthen their practice, share ideas, observe one another, and make sure our mathematics programme is working well for the children in front of them.

Our mathematics programme gives students a clear progression of learning. Students are exploring problems, using equipment and visual models, talking about different approaches, explaining their reasoning, and building confidence to work independently.

Teachers are also becoming increasingly responsive in how they use the programme. Sometimes a class needs to move on. Sometimes students need another example, more equipment, a different explanation, a chance to revisit earlier learning, or more time to practise. Good mathematics teaching is about knowing the difference.

One of the exciting areas we are now developing further is the idea of richer mathematics learning. At regular points, classes are creating space to stop introducing new content and instead revisit ideas, solve richer problems, make connections between concepts and give students more time to consolidate their understanding. The next step is to strengthen not just what students learn, but how they learn.

Ako in Mathematics
This links strongly with one of our school values: Ako/Learning. We have been asking our students and ourselves a simple question: What does an effective learner actually do when mathematics gets difficult?

Mathematicians have a go. They try different strategies. They use what they already know. They explain their thinking. They listen to other ideas. They notice when something has not worked and try something else. They also learn when to ask for help.

We want our students to think about:

• What do I already know?
• What could I try?
• Is there another way?
• Who or what could help me?
• What did I learn from that mistake?
• What will I try next?

That is an important part of growing independence. Rather than immediately saying “I can’t do it”, we want students to develop the confidence to say, “I don’t know how to do this yet, but I know some things I can try.”

This is the kind of mathematics learning we want at Kaharoa: children who are curious, willing to have a go, able to persevere, confident enough to ask for help, and proud of the progress they make.