Numeracy at HGAED
We are committed to raising the standards of numeracy of all our students, enabling them to develop the ability to use numeracy skills effectively in all areas of the curriculum, and also develop the skills necessary to cope confidently with the demands of further education, employment and adult life.
Numeracy is a proficiency that is developed mainly in Mathematics but also in other subjects. Numeracy involves developing confidence and competence with numbers and measures.
Poor numeracy skills hold back pupils’ progress and can lower their self-esteem. Numeracy skills can be consolidated and enhanced when pupils have opportunities to apply them across the curriculum.
The growing need for numeracy
Our need for a good level of numeracy only increases as we get older. When we start thinking about mortgages, the financial implications of borrowing money, interest rates and pensions it's essential that we're numerate enough to make informed decisions.
So many of the important decisions we must make as adults are based on numbers. This means that people who are not confident and capable with numbers are estimated to be worse off than those with good numeracy skills. A report in 2014 for National Numeracy by Pro Bono Economics found that the average cost to individuals with poor numeracy is £460 a year.
Our approach
To support numeracy within the curriculum:
- Students take part in weekly numeracy problems in coaching time (Numeracy Ninjas).
- Opportunities to practise numeracy are planned into schemes of work across the curriculum.
- Students take part in National Numeracy Day in May and other numeracy focused events including the celebration of Pi Day.
Intervention programme
We offer additional support to students to help them improve their numeracy across Year 7-11. The need of the individual determines the type of support they receive, as detailed below:
- KS3 Morning Maths – small group support focused on those students with specific difficulties relating to numeracy (takes place in inclusion)
- KS4 Morning Maths – small group support focused on those students with specific difficulties relating to numeracy (takes place in inclusion)
- Numeracy Intervention (period 6 Mondays) - support for those demonstrating low levels of numeracy across Years 7-10, led by a highly skilled Maths specialist
Home Learning – MathsWatch
Each student has access to our online maths facility, MathsWatch. Students can view over 1,000 mathematical video tutorials in order to learn new skills, or simply refresh old ones.
Each student has their own unique user and password so that they can keep track of their results and keep in contact with their teacher using the MathsWatch platform.
We are using the online programme to help to sustain progress and support prior learning. The Maths department also uses MathsWatch to set your child’s regular homework.
Getting in touch
If parents/carers would like to get in touch with our numeracy team please contact:
- Lead for numeracy – Sophia Thompson s.thompson2@harrisdulwichgirls.org.uk
- SENCo for those with SEND relating to numeracy – Madelaine Davis M.Davis@harrisdulwichgirls.org.uk
- Oversight of numeracy is provided by Tom Grocott, Vice Principal T.Grocott@harrisdulwichgirls.org.uk
Download our Maths across the curriculum policy from our Teaching and Learning page.
