Kilchreest National School

Mathematics is about developing a means of understanding, recording and communicating concepts of magnitude, number, shape and space. Children learn from practical, concrete materials as well as from their experiences. Mathematical language skills evolve as they develop the ability to solve problems and carry out investigations. The mathematics curriculum at Kilchreest covers the Primary Curriculum. Estimating and predicting a reasonable solution to a problem is taught from Senior Infants onwards. Where possible, the curriculum draws on relevant social experience and real-life contexts.

Group-work tasks and activities promote deeper understanding as well as co-operative group-work skills. These activities require pupils to verbalize and think through their solutions. Basic numeracy is an important attribute for successful living and number facts including, for example times tables, have to be studied and mastered. Pupils acquire knowledge, concepts and understanding required for successful everyday living. As children’s numeracy skills become more sophisticated they confidently explore patterns and relationships so that problem solving and investigative activities becomes more rewarding and enjoyable.

The curriculum comprises five strands: Number, Algebra, Shape and Space, Measures, and Data. These strands are integrated and are studied in a spiral curriculum that becomes more challenging as pupils progress through the School. Mathematical skills are developed in this curriculum but they are also developed, complemented, reinforced, practised, and applied in a variety of situations across many subject areas.