Mathematics

Curriculum Delivery Statement 

Rationale

God’s creativity is diverse. His consistency, order and structure can be seen and appreciated through the patterns and rules of Mathematics. Through opportunities to observe, identify, copy, obey and appreciate the patterns and rules of Mathematics, children's understanding of God and His world grows. 

The school strives to develop skilful mathematicians who develop logical and creative thinking, reasoning and problem solving skills, which are skills God intended His intelligent creation to develop and use responsibly in every day life. Mathematics will prepare students for a life of service on this earth and in preparation for the eternity to come.

Special Character - Values

Worship:

Theory

God has created this world with evidence of mathematical ingenuity which we can marvel at when discovering His patterns and relationships which harmonise with each other throughout nature.

Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

Practical Uses

• Exploring Maths in nature

• Investigating the sanctuary and how the Israelites worshipped God by following his specific guidelines.

• Displaying and investigating direct links between mathematical patterns in nature.

Perseverance:

Theory

Mathematics is all about problem solving which requires perseverance in thinking and reworking.  The process of finding the solution to the problem is as vital as the solution itself. Therefore, as students persevere in explaining their mathematical reasoning, they will be learning to make meaning - a skill which permeates to all areas in life.

James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Practical Uses

• Encourage students to verbally explain or write their mathematical reasoning

• Solving challenging problems, particularly open-ended questions

• Solving problems in a variety of complex ways

• Trying new strategies to solve problems

• Solving problems in groups

Contribution:

Theory

God has created mathematical principles in the universe to work together to form our world. Each principle contributes to holding our world together. In the same way, everyone has a role to play and a different perspective to contribute to the whole. 

Practical Uses

• Sharing mathematical thinking and asking questions

• Using context to enable understanding and learning

• Helping to solve problems in groups

Excellence:

Theory

Excellence is seen in the precise nature of the world that God created and His laws that govern His universe. 

Proverbs 8:29 ...when He gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep His command, and when He marked out the foundations of the earth.

Leviticus 19: 35-36 Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight or quantity. Use honest scales and honest weights, an honest ephah and an honest hin.

Proverbs 11:1 The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favour with him.

Practical Uses

• Using appropriate strategies to solve problems in more accurate ways

• Using precise and accurate measurements

• Writing equations that are accurately balanced

Love:

Theory

The precision of God's handiwork and the law and order of the universe reflects His love for us. In the same we should seek precision in our mathematical work.

Job 38:33 Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth?

Practical Uses

• Express a love for Mathematics and order/precision

• Remind all students that they are mathematically intelligent and capable of loving Maths

Courage:

Theory

Mathematics is a challenging area for many students. God has integrated Maths into the world around us, and it takes courage for students to explore and understand this world in greater depth than what they currently do.

Psalm 31:24 Be strong and let your hearts take courage, all you who wait for and confidently expect the Lord.

Practical Uses

• Students making mistakes in Mathematics and learning from these (Growth Mindset)

• Encouraging students to ask for help when they do not understand

Compassion:

Theory

Mathematics is a challenging area for many students. For those who lack the courage to explore and understand this world in greater depth, students and teachers require compassion toward these students to better support and encourage them. 

Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Practical Uses

• Buddy learning to help those who are low in confidence

• Demonstrate patience and empathy while waiting for those who are struggling

Integrity:

Theory

Integrity is vital in teaching Mathematics, promoting accuracy, honesty, and perseverance. When teachers model integrity, students learn to approach problem-solving carefully, valuing the process and owning their efforts. This emphasis on honest work fosters critical thinking and accountability, helping students develop a strong ethical foundation that extends beyond Mathematics into all areas of problem-solving.

Proverbs 11:1 "The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favour with Him."

Practical Uses

• Emphasize the Importance of Accuracy

• Encourage Honest Mistakes: Create a classroom culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. Encourage students to share errors openly and discuss how they can correct them.

• Model Ethical Behaviour: Demonstrate integrity by showing how to check work, use reliable sources for problem-solving, and acknowledge when assistance is needed.

• Implement Reflection Activities: Have students reflect on their problem-solving processes and the choices they made, prompting them to consider whether they approached tasks with integrity.

• Use Real-World Scenarios: Present real-life situations that require ethical decision-making in math, such as budgeting or fair distribution of resources, to illustrate the importance of integrity.

• Set Clear Expectations: Establish guidelines for assessments that discourage cheating and promote honesty