Numeracy Policy
RATIONALE
Belfast Boys' Model School believes numeracy is central to the development of lifelong learning. It is used to develop knowledge and understanding and to promote personal growth and social interaction. We believe numeracy is an integral part of the learning experience, which crosses subject boundaries.
PURPOSE
The school's Numeracy programme will seek to ensure:
- The numerical age of all pupils improves as they progress through the school.
- All pupils are confident and competent in the use and application of mathematics in order to produce quality numerical work.
- All pupils study in an environment conducive to raising numeracy standards.
- Good communication exists in support of the pupil.
- Appropriate staff development takes place to ensure that all staff share responsibility for numeracy and pupils receive high quality support in this area.
GUIDELINES
- Year 8 pupils will undergo a baseline test to determine their numerical age at the beginning and end of Year 8.
- All Year 8 and 9 pupils will sit NFER tests 11, 12 and 13 to gain a standardised score.
- Year 9 and Year 10 pupils will undergo a baseline test to determine numerical age improvement at the end of the academic year.
- Year 10 pupils will sit KS3 Maths exams.
- Year 12 pupils will sit GCSE Maths exams.
- All departments will display subject specific numerical terms in the classroom.
- Maths staff will adhere to a common marking procedure.
- All departments will encourage active research by pupils through the use of ICT.
- The Numeracy Core Team meet on a regular basis to receive appropriate training and support which they will impart to their departmental colleagues.
- Pupils in Years 8, 9 (B Band) who have a weak chronological numerical age, will engage in a six week intensive numeracy support programme. The Numeracy Co-ordinator will have overall responsibility for the co-ordination of this scheme.
- Pupils in 8C1 and 8C2 will engage in the CAME programme during their Maths classes, to help improve their thinking skills. The BELB Support Officer will provide ongoing support. The Numeracy Co-ordinator will have overall responsibility.
- Pupils in 8C1 and 8C2 will receive additional numeracy support from the Learning Support Assistant. They will be withdrawn in small groups for one period a week, over a twelve week term. The Numeracy Co-ordinator will have overall responsibility.
- The Learning Support Assistant will be utilised appropriately to help improve standards of numeracy within junior school.
- All staff will be involved in the regular monitoring, evaluating and implementation of the numeracy policy.
- All Maths teachers' laptops will have Interactive Maths Pack 1 installed for use in the classroom.
- Staff development will be available during twilight sessions to ensure that all Maths teachers feel confident and competent in the use of the Interactive Maths Pack 1 CD Rom.