Numeracy is more than an ability to perform mental calculations. Students should be able to confidently and competently deal with numbers and measures, selecting appropriate techniques to solve problems in a variety of contexts. Numeracy also involves a spatial awareness and an undertanding of the ways in which data can be gathered, represented, interpreted and analysed.
The following is an aid to help teachers understand and identify the following 5 aspects of numeracy: within their subjects.
Staff will encourage students to use mental strategies and formal written strategies in Years 7, 8 and 9. However, consideration of a student’s ability must be taken into account and if the use of a calculator will help progress learning, then this should be encouraged. The efficient use of a calculator in Years 10 and 11 can be encouraged while mental methods should also still be encouraged where applicable. Students should always be encouraged to estimate answers first and then check whether their calculator answer is sensible within the context of the problem.