The HKIS Math Philosophy was updated in 2016 with representatives from all divisions through a collaborative process.
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 to the child first. Our curriculum is based on our school’s R1 to Grade 12 math philosophy and uses the Common Core State Standards as a framework for teaching and learning bothcontent and mathematical practices. The Standards for Mathematical Practice describe strong mathematicians engaged in doingmathematics. These habits of mind have been identified by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Research Council. The content standards concentrate on a clear set of math skills and concepts. Children will learn key skills and concepts in a focused sequence of math development. This content is delivered in ways that engages young mathematicians to be active learners and solve real-world problems. Throughout the day, our students will take time to investigate,explore, think and communicate while using a variety of mathematical 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.
