Numeracy- Across the Curriculum

The National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy was launched by the Department of Education and skills in July 2011. It aims to create a ‘whole school commitment to achieve change and improvement’ in literacy and numeracy over the nine year period of the strategy. Each teacher is responsible for the implementation of this new strategy in his/her individual subject.

What is Numeracy?

Numeracy is not limited to the ability to use numbers to add, subtract, multiply and divide. It encompasses the ability to use mathematical understanding and skills to solve problems and meet the demands of day-to-day living in complex social settings.

‘Numeracy is the capacity, confidence and disposition to use mathematics to meet the demands of learning, school, home, work, community and civic life. This perspective on numeracy emphasises the key role of applications and utility in learning the discipline of mathematics, and illustrates the way that mathematics contributes to the study of other disciplines’

(DES 2011: The National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People, 2011-2020)

This definition of numeracy is closely aligned to the rationale for Project Maths.Objectives of the New Junior Certificate Mathematics syllabus include developing:

  • The ability to recall relevant mathematical facts
  • Instrumental understanding (‘knowing how’)
  • Relational understanding (‘knowing why’)
  • The ability to apply mathematical knowledge and skill to solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
  • An appreciation of and positive disposition towards mathematics

Key to the success of this work will be its capacity to bring about and support attitudinal change through the positive impact of the investigative and interactive approaches adopted in Project Maths. This in itself can assist in students becoming more fully engaged in the subject and thus contribute to identifying and addressing problems in numeracy.

Implementing the Numeracy Strategy

A whole school approach is essential for the successful implementation of the plan. Every school is required to have a Numeracy Action Plan that includes clear targets, states the desired learning outcomes and provides clarity on what students are required to learn.Each subject department is required to include provision for this strategy in its subject plan.

Numeracy Possibilities for Different Subject Areas

Subject / Developing Numeracy Skills
Geography /
  • Maps, grid references, angles, direction, distances, scales and ratio
  • Recording temperature and rainfall over a period of time using a rain gauge and a wet/dry thermometer
  • Field study data displayed in number and chart format
  • Use of numerical data when making geographical descriptions and comparisons e.g. population pyramids
  • Chronology using a time line

Modern Languages /
  • Dates and numbers translated
  • Calendar and clock

PE /
  • Score boards and score structures for each sport

Art /
  • Proportion,scale and ratio for enlarging or reducing designs
  • Ratios in paint mixing
  • Painting by numbers
  • Estimation of quantities required in art and design

History /
  • Chronology of historical events using a timeline
  • Tables and graphs for population, mortality rates and war fatalities

Religious Education /
  • Calendar of religious dates
  • Graphical representation of prevalence of different religions

Science /
  • Periodic Table
  • Using measuring equipment and collecting data
  • Experiments requiring counting, measuring, calculating and recording
  • Estimation of likely results
  • Graphical and tabular representation of data and results

Home Economics /
  • Temperature and times for cooking and baking
  • Measuring quantities of ingredients required
  • Calorie counting for healthy eating
  • Food pyramids

Business /
  • Accounts
  • Interest rate calculation
  • Comparison between savings products

Music /
  • Rhythms and patterns in music
  • Notes and values
  • Extracts from music with associated beat values

English /
  • Verse structure and count
  • Referencing and location of quotes

Special Education Support Service, c/o Cork Education Support Centre, The Rectory, Western Road, Cork
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