In light of the recent education initiatives announced by the new government, many parents are considering what these changes might mean for their children. The government’s new measures focus on addressing achievement rates, particularly in numeracy and literacy, with a reported 22% of Year 8 students nationwide currently meeting the expected benchmarks in mathematics. This has led to significant revisions of the curriculum and the introduction of twice-yearly assessments for mathematics.

At Kristin, our commitment to academic excellence is reflected in our students' impressive results. For example,  98% of our Year 10 students met the numeracy co-requisite (required for university entrance) at their first attempt. These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of our evidence-based teaching methodologies and comprehensive assessment practices. By monitoring student progress through external standardised tests and internal teacher assessments, we ensure that each child receives support targeted to their individual needs.

Our approach is grounded in consistently prioritising research-based teaching methodologies and ongoing professional development for our educators. This commitment allows us to stay at the forefront of effective teaching practices, particularly in critical areas like mathematics. Our independent status enables us to rapidly adapt to new research and implement innovative strategies that enhance student learning.

We also believe that learning extends beyond the classroom, and parents play a crucial role in reinforcing numeracy skills at home. Here are some ways parents can support their children's mathematics learning:

• Incorporate maths into everyday activities: Engage your child in activities like cooking, where measuring ingredients helps reinforce concepts of weight, volume, and temperature, as well as understanding tens, hundreds, and decimals.
• Talk about fractions: Use everyday items like pizza or cake to introduce and discuss fractions. Ask your child how many slices the pizza is divided into and how many pieces they have, helping them visualise and understand fractions.
• Use an analogue clock: Having an analogue clock on display at home is a great way to teach your child about time. Regularly refer to the clock and discuss the time to help them understand the relationship between the numbers and the passage of time.
• Encourage counting and number recognition: For younger children, activities like counting objects, sorting items by size or quantity, or recognising numbers in the environment (such as on houses or buses) can strengthen basic numeracy skills.
• Play math games: Engage your child with games that involve maths, such as board games that require counting spaces, card games that involve addition or subtraction, or digital apps designed to make maths fun.
• Practice multiplication facts: Help your child memorise multiplication facts through fun and interactive methods. Use flashcards, sing multiplication songs, or employ visual representations like arrays to show equivalence, such as demonstrating that 5x3 is the same as 3x5.

Mathematics teaches vital skills, such as critical thinking and logic, that are transferable to a wide range of contexts. Schools and parents working together can make a big difference in this critical area.