Numeracy

Numeracy involves learners having the confidence and competence to use numbers and measures.

It requires an understanding of the number system, recalling Mathematical techniques and an ability to solve problems in a variety of contexts. A practical understanding of graphs, charts, tables and diagrams is an important part of numeracy.

"Being numerate involves developing a confidence and competence in using number that allows individuals to solve problems, interpret and analyse information, make informed decisions, function
responsibly in everyday life and contribute effectively to society. It gives increased opportunities within the world of work and sets down foundations which can be built upon through life-long learning."

Our commitment to developing numeracy skills

At Inveralmond Community High School, we are committed to developing the numeracy skills of our learners, in the belief that it will support their learning, enabling them to access the whole curriculum and, in turn, raise standards for all.

It is important to recognise that all teachers are teachers of numeracy. It is the key for academic success and the long-term sustainable improvement in pupil attainment.

Numeracy skills are embedded into all lessons in an everyday context as part of the ethos and life of the school. Students should be confident in using the skills of numeracy in different aspects of life and work. General contexts of the types of numeracy skills are:

• Managing money and financial planning
• Understanding and managing earnings, benefits and credit
• Managing a budget in a household and work-related situations
• Measuring, estimating, rounding and calculating
• Reading timetables, calculating distances and journey times, reading maps
• Understanding and working with time - centuries, decades, years, months, days, hours, minutes and seconds as well as durations of time.
• Interpreting information from a variety of graphs, charts and tables
• Use of percentages, fractions and mental strategies in a variety of contexts

We have also produced a Numeracy Skills and Techniques Guide for Staff, Students and Parents who are looking for assistance with their Numeracy and basic Maths skills. The booklet is available to the right of this page.

The Eight Areas of Emphasis

Education Scotland has recently issued guidance and a Professional Learning Resource which splits Numeracy and Mathematic Skills into eight areas of emphasis;

• Linking Mathematical Concepts
• Mental Agility
• Mathematical Vocabulary and Notation
• Interpreting Questions
• Select and communicate processes and solutions
• Justify choice of strategy used
• Algebraic Reasoning
• Determining the reasonableness of a solution

Here are some examples of how numeracy is used in other subject areas

Film and Media
Comparative analysis of box office takings - British Film industry vs Hollywood. Analysing global trends in terms of profits of the film industries (interpreting graphs). Box office data analysis - where does the money go? (Analysis of investment data and comparative analysis with Hollywood).

Business Studies
Basic financial terms calculating profit and loss. Interpreting simple cash flow statements. The importance of cash flow statements. Identifying solutions to cash flow problems.

Design & Technology
Various arithmetical calculations on decimals and fractions including ratio, use of formulae, percentages. Graphs and charts of all kinds. Construction and measure of 2D and 3D shapes.

Art
Islamic art and design; shape in 2D and 3D; simple ratios; perspective; Golden ratio. Escher tessellations.