St. Enda's Community School

St. Endas Community School

Numeracy Policy

1. Mission Statement

St. Endas Community School is committed to raising the standards of numeracy of all its students by improving their ability to use numeracy skills effectively in all areas of the curriculum and in developing the skills necessary to cope confidently with the demands of further education , employment and adult life.

2. Current definition of Numeracy

Numeracy is a proficiency which involves confidence and competence with numbers and measures. It is more than an ability to do basic arithmetic. It requires understanding of the number system, a repertoire of mathematical techniques and an inclination and ability to solve quantitative or spatial problems in a range of contexts. Numeracy also demands understanding of the ways in which data are gathered by counting and measuring, and by presentation in graphs, diagrams , charts and tables.

3. Aims of the school numeracy policy

• To promote consistency of practice in methodology, vocabulary , use of resources etc.
• To encourage interdepartmental collaboration.
• To promote teaching that is ;

- Informed by clear and progressive objectives
- Direct and explicit
- Interactive
- Motivating
- Varied in style
- Well pitched to student needs
- Inclusive

• To promote learning that is:

- Active
- Creative
- Reflective
- Independent
- Linked to personal/ group targets

• To ensure effective and informed planning and assessment procedures
• To establish regular monitoring, evaluation and review procedures

4. Whole school approach

• Exploration of the concept of numeracy across the curriculum through in-service training has been initiated in the school and is on- going.

• Cross-curricular JCSP initiatives such as keywords, Maths spelling challenge, and numeracy awareness day/week are planned throughout the year.

• Inclusion of numeracy section in all subject plans to be recommended to staff.

5. Baseline Data

• Results from standardised testing carried out pre. school entry by the guidance counsellor provide information on the numeracy level of all incoming year 1 students

• Additional information is gathered from in - school testing of year 1 and 5 in September using standardised tests.

• Diagnostic testing on Special Needs students is also carried out in September again using standardised tests.

NEPS assessments provide supplementary information.

• Re-testing of years 1, 2 and 5 takes place in May of each year.

• Baseline data, targets and actions to be included in the school Deis plan.

6. Methodologies

Following on the results obtained from the range of standardised tests carried out appropriate learning support strategies may be adopted eg.

• Team teaching
• One to one
• Small groups
• Whole class teaching

7. JCSP

A wide range of JCSP numeracy resource materials are available for the use of teachers to facilitate teaching and learning in the classroom particularly with special needs students.
In addition various numeracy initiatives may be implemented during the school year. These may vary from year to year eg. maths for fun, maths mornings - parents and students, maths millionaire.

8. Evaluation


The policy will be regularly monitored and reviewed through

• School planning - Deis
• Retesting using standardised tests

Ratified by Board of Management 13th September, 2011