Teaching Mathematics at Anglesea Primary School

At Anglesea Primary School, we are committed to developing confident, capable, and curious mathematicians.

Our Mathematics program is built on the Science of Learning — using clear, structured, and evidence-based teaching practices that support all students to build strong foundations in number, problem-solving, and mathematical thinking.

We use a consistent Mathematics Instructional Model across all classrooms to ensure every student experiences high-quality teaching every day.

The Mathematics Instructional Model

Our daily Mathematics lessons follow a clear and predictable structure that supports all learners:

1. Fluency

Each lesson includes dedicated time for Fluency practice.

Students develop quick and accurate recall of key mathematical facts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Building fluency helps reduce cognitive load, allowing students to focus on problem-solving and deeper thinking.

2. Daily Review / Retrieval

Lessons begin with a short Daily Review to strengthen memory and understanding.

Students revisit previously taught concepts and skills, helping to move learning from short-term to long-term memory.

This regular retrieval practice ensures knowledge is retained and built upon over time.

3. Vocabulary Instruction and Activating Prior Knowledge

Mathematics has its own language, and understanding this is essential for success.

Teachers explicitly introduce and explain key vocabulary before new learning begins.

Students are also supported to activate prior knowledge, making connections to what they already know.

Each lesson begins with a clear Learning Intention and Success Criteria so students understand:

• what they are learning 
• how they will know they are successful 

4. Explicit Teaching

Teachers clearly model new mathematical concepts and skills.

This includes step-by-step explanations, worked examples, and thinking aloud to show how to approach problems.

Explicit teaching ensures that all students have a clear understanding before moving on.

5. Guided Practice

Students then practice new skills with teacher support.

Teachers work alongside students, asking questions, providing feedback, and checking for understanding.

This stage allows teachers to identify misconceptions early and provide immediate support. 

6. Independent Practice

Students apply their learning independently or in small groups.

Tasks are carefully designed to reinforce new skills and build confidence.

Teachers continue to provide feedback and adjust support to meet individual learning needs.

7. Reflection – “Savour the Learning”

Each lesson concludes with a Reflection.

Students revisit the Learning Intention and Success Criteria to consider:

• What did I learn? 
• Was I successful? 
• What strategies helped me? 

This helps students develop confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of their learning.

Whole Lesson Practices

Throughout every Mathematics lesson, teachers consistently:

• Provide multiple opportunities for students to respond and participate 
• Check for understanding using questioning and observation 
• Give timely and specific feedback to support improvement 

These practices ensure all students remain engaged and supported throughout the lesson.

How It All Fits Together

Our Mathematics program develops key skills across all areas of learning, including:

• Number and Algebra 
• Measurement and Geometry 
• Statistics and Probability 
• Problem-solving and reasoning 

By teaching mathematics in a structured and explicit way, we support students to build strong understanding, confidence, and the ability to apply their learning in real-world situations.

Why We Teach This Way

• It provides clear structure and consistency across all classrooms 
• It supports all learners through explicit, step-by-step instruction 
• It reflects current research on how students learn best 
• It builds strong mathematical foundations for future learning 
• It develops confident, capable, and resilient problem-solvers