Mathematics Experiences and Outcomes

Curriculum for ExcellenceSupport for Trialling

Maths and numeracy

‘To face the challenges of the 21st century, each young person needs to have confidence in using mathematical skills, and Scotland needs both specialist mathematicians and a highly numerate population’

Building the curriculum 1

Features of the curriculum in mathematics and numeracy:

Increased emphasis on: • financial education• interrogating, analysing and making informed decisions in information

handling• chance and uncertainty• algebraic thinking from earlier stages• the impact of Mathematics in the world and on society

While maintaining a focus on the acquisition and understanding of skills in using number.

The draft materials:Cover paper and experiences

and outcomes• Cover paper:

– Explains the thinking behind the experiences and outcomes– Offers advice on learning and teaching based on knowledge of good

practice– Includes reflective questions for individuals or groups to consider

• Experiences and outcomes: describe the expected learning experience of each child and young person from Early to Fourth Level

Proposed achievement frameworkLevel Experience and outcomes for most children or young people

early in pre-school and in primary 1

first by end of P4, but earlier for some

second by end of P7, but earlier for some

third in S1 – S3, but earlier for some

fourth fourth level broadly equates to SCQF 4

Senior Phase S4 – S6

Structure of the experiences and outcomes:What do the codes mean?

Trialling: planning stage….

• Build on current strengths • Fit in with current learning and teaching

plans for this period• Decide on the focus for trialling• Identify experiences and outcomes to be

trialled

Trialling Period......• Use generic and specific questions as

ongoing reflection tools• Note interesting findings not covered in

questions provided• Successes, Opportunities and Challenges• Support

Trialling questions• Generic questions being addressed across all curriculum

areas

• Specific questions for each curriculum area.

Your help is needed to help to answer both sets of questions – as many as possible given what you are able to cover.

Issues: do the outcomes & experiences.......• Provide clarity?• Allow scope for the development of the 4 capacities?• Reflect the 7 principles of CfE?• Promote purposeful play and active learning?• Suggest the use of relevant, real-life contexts?• Encourage both collaborative and independent

learning?

• Allow meaningful opportunities for Numeracy Across the Curriculum?

• Allow the development of problem solving skills?• Provide opportunities for the development of

Mathematical Thinking Skills?• Provide opportunities for effective use of

technology?• Promote the use of formative assessment

strategies?

Reviewing and Reporting • Use general and specific questions as tool for ongoing

reflection and evaluation• You might find it useful to keep a brief note of, for example:

learning activitiescontexts and resources impact on children’s learningany interesting observations

The Curriculum

Review Group

Nov 2004

March 2006

Nov 2006

March 2007

Sept 2007 – June 2008

April 2006

Progress & Proposals

Starter and Reflective Tool Kits

Building the

Curriculum1

Building the

Curriculum2

Draft Experiences

and Outcomes

Important background material

Questions and discussion

Contacts:Joe McLaughlin and Barbara GrayLearning and Teaching Scotland

Curriculum for Excellence