MATHS has long been a subject students either loath or love.
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There’s typically no fence sitting when it comes to equations and fractions, but S Joseph’s Primary School in Leeton is aiming to bring maths back into students’ good backs.
Last year there was an introduction of a new three-year initiative which saw the appointment of a full-time targeted maths teacher at the school.
Since its introduction at St Joseph’s, teachers have received professional development based on recent research and data to inform and enhance their teaching of mathematics.
When asked about her role, targeted maths teacher, Sue Flagg, said the proof was in the pudding.
“Students are now not only able to use a variety of different and effective strategies to problem solve, but are also able to explain their reasoning,” she said.
“Most importantly of all, student enjoyment of maths is growing.”
St Joseph’s principal MaryJane Simms was full of praise for the program.
“Having a specialist leader of maths has definitely lifted our teachers’ skills and our students’ achievement,” she said.
“In 2018, a focus of the initiative will be to provide additional information to parents and carers to help them support their child’s learning.
“Through a variety of workshops they will experience that doing maths with their children is easier than they may think and can be a whole a lot of fun.”