2025 Inquiry - Part 1

Our primary inquiry focus for our team was the area of Mathematics. However, this coincided with the imminent introduction of a new pedagogical approach to teaching Maths. 

A new maths action plan was launched focusing on three key areas to turn around the declining maths achievement in New Zealand schools. 

1. Curriculum:

A new knowledge-rich, maths curriculum for students in Years 0-8 based on the structured maths approach is introduced in Term 1 this year. 

Resources: including teacher and student workbooks, are provided to primary and intermediate schools to support the adoption of new curriculum.

2. Workforce:

Professional learning and development (PLD) in the structured maths approach to support the rollout of the new curriculum.

3. Assessment

Students will be assessed twice a year, using existing standardised tools.  Small group interventions will be implemented to support students who have fallen significantly  behind.

What is a Structured Maths Approach?

A structured scope and sequence is a fundamental to effective teaching and learning in mathematics.  It provides educators with a road map, ensuring that each concept systematically builds upon prior knowledge.  By carefully sequencing mathematical topics and activities.

A Structure Maths Approach enables learners to progressively develop their skills and confidence. This organised structure supports teachers in creating a conducive learning environment that fosters deep conceptual understanding and student success, directly aligning with the NZ curriculum and its progress outcomes and learning. 

Our team's intended inquiry focused on implementing the Numicon resource and program with our Year 1 and 3 students.  However, the initiation of this teaching approach was delayed due to the late arrival of our equipment.  The difficulty would be of the time constraints and the ability to understand how it works.

We opted to focus on literacy - reading comprehension.