{"id":12771,"date":"2020-08-07T15:18:55","date_gmt":"2020-08-07T07:18:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/owis.org\/sg\/?p=12771"},"modified":"2023-09-20T18:00:06","modified_gmt":"2023-09-20T10:00:06","slug":"mathematics-in-the-pyp-curriculum-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/owis.org\/sg\/blog\/mathematics-in-the-pyp-curriculum-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Mathematics in the PYP Curriculum: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mathematics is a subject that students should build upon and master throughout their educational experience, as it forms a strong foundation for understanding how the world works and is a critical skill for 21st-century learners.<\/p>\n

In the OWIS Primary Years Programme, students are exposed to mathematical topics in their everyday learning through the units of inquiry. This allows them to make important connections between these mathematical concepts that they are being taught and the real world in which they live. Maths is all around us, so it is key that students are able to grasp these skills and understanding from a young age. It is also important that they feel supported through learning and are taught to work through processes to come to an answer.<\/p>\n

As Olga T., parent of a primary school student, puts it, “My son talks about his school life a lot, from the time spent with his friends to how interesting his Maths lessons were!”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

About the PYP Mathematics Curriculum<\/h5>\n

In the PYP<\/a>, children are introduced to mathematical concepts such as data collection and handling, space and shape, measurement, patterns, numbers and functions, which can be used to build a foundation for higher-level thinking in future years.<\/p>\n

Once these concepts are mastered, PYP students are then introduced to broader mathematical concepts that require them to think critically about how they can be applied in a variety of settings.<\/p>\n

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Making Meaning Out of Mathematics<\/h5>\n

At OWIS, our educators understand that students need to be engaged in the learning process in order to fully grasp the concept that is being introduced. While previous generations may have spent hours memorising fact tables and reiterating their knowledge to their instructors, the 21st-century learners at OWIS are provided with interactive mathematical lessons that engage them and allow them to make meaning out of mathematics concepts.<\/p>\n

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In the PYP, manipulatives or hands-on tools and resources are often used to provide younger students with a physical representation of mathematics. This also helps those students who may find practical learning much easier than reading or memorising. Teachers may also use play as a form of learning, for instance asking students to work in groups to set up a shop in the lesson, tasking them with formulating the best way to use their money to purchase the goods they need. These manipulatives help students visualise and make important connections to develop a deeper understanding. It also teaches them how to take mathematics out of the classroom and into the world around them. It encourages them to get involved when they are at home, or out doing activities, and teaches them that mathematics can be seen in such a range of areas.<\/p>\n

View these photo galleries of Maths Morning 2021<\/a> and Maths Day 2020<\/a> for more examples of how students at OWIS enjoy Maths games and activities to learn concepts.<\/p>\n

Applying Concepts and Techniques with Real-World Connections<\/h5>\n

The most critical component of the PYP mathematics curriculum is providing children with opportunities to apply the mathematical concepts that they have learned in real-world situations.<\/p>\n

Students participate in dynamic activities that allow them to make connections, apply their knowledge and showcase their work. For example:<\/p>\n