National Literacy and Numeracy Week 2009

National Literacy and Numeracy Week 2009

Project Report

Project title: Your Number’s Up!
Project description: The Henry Lawson High Schoolinvited students and parents from other schools in the Weddin Learning Community to attend a Numeracy Day. We involved all students in Years 6–9 with the aim of enhancing their confidence in and enjoyment of using numeracy.
All KLAs at the high school presented a workshop at our Numeracy Day. Some of these workshops have been developed and supported in the teaching of Stage 4 students during Term 2. These workshops highlighted how numeracy is implemented across the curriculum including links to everyday life. The students also participatedin a numeracy gala day which was run concurrently in the school hall.
Students were placed into groups of varied ability and age and competed to solve challenges throughout the day. Students were rewarded with on the spot prizes as well as an overall champion group.
This emphasis on numeracy across the curriculum will then be consolidated throughout the rest of the year in all subjects.
The students and parents have been surveyed about their attitude to and proficiency in numeracy. We will survey them again at the conclusion of this program and ascertain whether there has been an improvement in these areas.
Person responsible for project: Dave Smith
School, region, diocese: The Henry Lawson High School
Western Region
Contact person’s email: 0T0T
Number of students, teachers, parents, other community members directly involved:170
Intended literacy and/or numeracy outcomes:

Improving numeracy skills for students
Increasing student engagement in all classes that require numeracy, as they can see real life connections
Encouraging students to have a positive attitude and confidence with numeracy
Involvement of all teachers and KLAs in the teaching of numeracy to students.
Promotion of strategies in problem solving.

Evidence of achievement of intended literacy and/or numeracy outcomes:

Students completed a variety of activities to a very high standard. The senior students were good role models for the younger students. The day fostered an environment of cooperation.
Students saw the use of numeracy in all KLA at school. In subsequent maths classes, we have been having discussions on the use of numeracy in other subjects.
Most students thoroughly enjoyed the day and will develop a better attitude in later numeracy activities. The feedback from our feeder schools has been extremely positive and the Year 6 students have obtained confidence from achieving success in the high school setting.
Teachers were surprised at the need to explicitly teach numeracy skills for their subjects. This has also given our teachers an insight into incorporating numeracy into their teaching practice.
Students enjoyed the problem solving activities in the hall and have developed additional skills.
The survey of Stage 4 students conducted after Numeracy Day indicates that they have a greater sense of numeracy as they see its relevance in all KLAs.

Feedback about making grants available for such projects:
This grant was a huge part of making the day a success. With a large number of students participating, it was vital that all workshops were adequately resourced. Also the prizes and carnival-style atmosphere were directly attributed to this grant. This increased student motivation and participation levels. The day of casual release was vital in the planning and preparation of the event.

Other information:

Numeracy Day

THLHS will be holding a numeracy day on Tuesday 25PPthPP August. All students from Years 7 – 9 will be involved as well as other students from surrounding schools. This promises to be an exteremely interesting and action packed day. Students will be undertaking workshops from different subjects to demonstrate the use of numeracy in many different aspects of their daily life. All students will be placed into teams and will be locked in a battle to win great prizes, have as much fun as possible and to broaden their views on the use of numeracy.

A FREE sausage sizzle will be provided for all participants on the day. All parents are reminded that they are more than welcome to participate in the activities and join us on the day.

Remember on Tuesday August 25 – YOUR NUMBER’S UP!

YOUR NUMBER’S UP!

NUMERACY RELAY

GROUP NUMBER:______

Instructions:

Complete 1 problem then pass the sheets on to the next group.
Points are awarded for the 1PPstPP, 2PPndPP and third team to finish although accuracy is more important.
Write all solutions beside the question.

Numeracy Trail

GROUP NUMBER:______

1. Estimate the height of the flagpolein Area A.

…………………………………………………………………..

2. Approximately how many bricks are there in the wall outside the Art Room? What geometrical shape is this wall?

………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………

3.Calculate thelength of Room 20. What method did you use to do this?

…………………………………………………………………………

4.Estimate how many of litres of water the tank beside Room 19 (the ‘tech shed’) will hold. How did youwork out your answer?

…………………………………………………………………………

5.Face the gate of the ag. plot. What direction are you facing?

…………………………………………………………………………

Now turn to face the nearest corner of Room 18. Estimate the angle turned.

…………………………………………………………………………

6.Time how long it takes to walk from Room 18 to Room 4 if you dawdle.

……………………………………….…………………………………

Time how long it takes to walk from Room 18 to Room 4 if you walk at normal speed.

……………………………………….…………………………………

What is the difference in time?

…………………………………………………………………….……

Would this be significant in making a student late for class?

………………………………………….………………………….…...

7.What geometrical solid is the Year 12 common room?

…………………………………………………………………………

8.If each locker is rented out for all four terms at $5/term and buying a new locker costs $50, how many new lockers can the school buy next year from the income obtained by renting the lockers? How many will the school be able to buy in the following year?

………………………………………………………………………..

9.Calculate the distance from Room 13 to the TAS Staff Room.

………………………………………………………………………..

Numeracy Scavenger Hunt

Note: You can only use a source once.

i.e. a locker can only be used for one answer.

Number / Where is it found
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20