Introduction

At St Peter’s Collegiate Academy, we recognise the essential role that numeracy plays in equipping students with the skills they need to thrive both academically and in everyday life. Our Numeracy Policy aims to ensure that all students develop a strong foundation in mathematical skills and confidence, enabling them to apply numeracy across all subjects and in real-world situations.

1. Aims and Objectives

The aims of this policy are to:

• Ensure that all students develop the numeracy skills required to support their learning across all subjects.
• Foster a positive attitude towards numeracy, emphasising its relevance and application.
• Ensure consistency and coherence in the approach to teaching numeracy across the curriculum.
• Support staff in the development of numeracy skills for both teaching and personal use.

2. Definition of Numeracy

Numeracy is the ability to use and apply mathematical concepts, skills, and knowledge effectively in a variety of contexts. It includes not only number operations but also data interpretation, measurement, and the use of mathematical reasoning in everyday life and across academic disciplines.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

• Students: Students are expected to engage actively with numeracy tasks across all subjects, develop their confidence in using mathematical skills, and seek help if they encounter difficulties.
• Subject Teachers: All subject teachers, not just those teaching mathematics, are responsible for embedding numeracy in their lessons. They should identify opportunities to reinforce numeracy skills relevant to their subject areas.
• Parents / Carers: Parents and carers should support learners in their numeracy development at home by encouraging them to engage with their maths homework (provided by Sparx) and offering guidance where appropriate and possible. Parents and carers should also model effective strategies for financial literacy where possible, including budgeting and financial planning.
• Numeracy Coordinator: The numeracy coordinator will ensure that the school’s numeracy objectives are integrated into whole-school initiatives and monitor the effectiveness of the policy. They will also provide resources and support for students, subject teachers and parents and carers in order to develop confidence and competence in numeracy for all key stakeholders. This may take the form of after school workshops for those seeking to upskill themselves.

 

4. Strategies for Promoting Numeracy

• Form Time Numeracy: Weekly numeracy activities will be delivered to provide regular numeracy practise and develop confidence and competence. Form tutors in conjunction with the numeracy coordinator will monitor progress, provide support for learners and reward positive engagement and progress.
• Whole-School Approach: Numeracy will be embedded in all subject areas where applicable. Use of mathematical skills will be taught explicitly and common approaches employed where appropriate. The numeracy co-ordinator shall ensure that departments are made aware of cross-curricular links and ensure that schemes of work are designed to develop mathematical skills collaboratively and harmoniously across all subject areas.
• Numeracy Across the Curriculum: All teachers will take responsibility for supporting students in the development of their numeracy skills, including:
  • Encouraging the use of appropriate mathematical language.
  • Ensuring students can perform basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and use these skills in a variety of contexts.
  • Promoting the use of data handling and interpretation (charts, graphs, statistics) as relevant to their subject.
  • Applying mathematical thinking to problem-solving tasks.
• Numeracy Intervention: For students who need extra support with numeracy, targeted interventions will be provided. This may include small group work, one-on-one sessions, or access to digital resources designed to improve specific numeracy skills.
• Staff Training: Teachers across all subjects will be offered professional development opportunities to enhance their confidence and competence in teaching numeracy skills.

5. Assessment and Monitoring

• Tracking Progress: Numeracy progress will be tracked as part of the school’s regular assessment process. Teachers will identify any students struggling with numeracy and will work with the Mathematics Department to address these gaps.
• Assessment for Learning: Teachers will use formative assessments to evaluate students’ numeracy skills and provide timely feedback to help them improve. This could include quizzes, written tasks, and real-life problem-solving scenarios.
• Exams and Assessments: Numeracy will be assessed in relevant examinations (e.g., GCSE Maths, subject-specific assessments), and all students should demonstrate the ability to apply numeracy skills in their work.

6. Resources

• Numeracy Ninjas: Form time numeracy will be delivered using Numeracy Ninjas weekly assessment booklets and scores will be recorded using the accompanying spreadsheet. Numeracy Ninjas branded displays and rewards may also be used.
• Maths Support Resources: The numeracy co-ordinator will maintain a collection of resources, such as knowledge organisers, useful websites and worksheets that can be used to reinforce numeracy in other subject areas and provide curriculum cohesion.

7. Encouraging a Positive Attitude towards Numeracy

• Celebrating Success: Students who show improvement or excel in numeracy will be recognised through rewards and praise in assemblies, newsletters, or classroom displays.
• Numeracy Competitions and Events: We will hold regular events, such as numeracy weeks, competitions, or problem-solving challenges, to engage students and highlight the importance of numeracy.

8. Evaluation and Review

The effectiveness of this Numeracy Policy will be reviewed annually by the Senior Leadership Team, in collaboration with the Mathematics Department. This review will assess the implementation of the policy, the success of numeracy initiatives, and the impact on students’ learning outcomes. Adjustments will be made where necessary to ensure continuous improvement in numeracy across the school.

Conclusion

At St Peter’s Collegiate Academy, we are committed to fostering a culture of numeracy that supports all students in developing the skills they need to succeed both academically and beyond. By embedding numeracy across the curriculum and promoting its relevance in everyday life, we aim to ensure that all students leave the school with the confidence to apply their mathematical knowledge in any situation.