In Lower Primary, we provide an enriched, comprehensive, and balanced mathematics curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for our young mathematicians. We are dedicated to teaching the whole child first.
Our curriculum is grounded in our school's Reception 1 to Grade 12 math philosophy and uses the Common Core State Standards as a framework for both content and mathematical practices. The Standards for Mathematical Practice describe the habits of mind of strong mathematicians, as identified by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Research Council; while the content standards provide a clear, focused sequence of key math skills and concepts.
Content is delivered in ways that engage young mathematicians as active learners, connecting mathematics to play and inquiry. Throughout the day, students investigate, explore, think, and communicate using a variety of tools, models, and strategies.
HKIS Math Philosophy
R1-Grade 12 Beliefs:
We believe mathematics is a universal language that allows us to make sense of fundamental principles, ideas, patterns, problems and phenomena that surround us. Through exploring abstract and contextual mathematics, students will investigate applications and uses of mathematics in the world around them. Such investigations provide opportunities for students to engage in critical thinking and reasoning. Students will learn how to communicate and justify their thinking in multiple ways. Students will come to understand that mathematicians focus on big ideas in mathematics and the connections between ideas.
Students will be able to independently and collaboratively use their learning in mathematics to:
- Persevere and solve problems logically, creatively and confidently.
- Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
- Communicate thinking in a variety of situations and disciplines.
- Demonstrate the ability to process and plan by choosing efficient strategies and effective tools and resources.
- Apply learning in multiple ways and in familiar, unfamiliar and real-world contexts.
We agree that mathematics education happens best when we provide opportunities for students to:
- Take risks and make mistakes in an emotionally safe environment that values growth.
- Build a conceptually based foundation that moves between concrete, symbolic and abstract, in order to develop deep understanding.
- Reason and justify their thinking individually and with others.
- Think creatively and critically.
- Develop fact fluency through working with and exploring numbers in meaningful number activities.
- Ask questions, construct knowledge and reflect on the learning process.
