Eimear Mc Carthy Linda Dunleavy

We will look at how numeracy was introduced in the school and how we went about implementing the plan, as a whole school collaborative approach.

 Numeracy Link Teacher was chosen (not a post in the school).  Core Numeracy Team consists of staff members who are organised and willing to execute tasks efficiently.  Team is comprised of various teaching departments.  The process began with buy in from: 1.Numeracy team. 2.Maths department 3.Whole staff -presentation and introduction to staff, we did not want bombard or overwhelm staff.

 We used the SSE templates to help us create attitudinal surveys.  Google docs was recommended – However a Gmail account is required.  Survey Monkey was used in St. Joseph’s.  Student surveys and parent survey  Analysis of state exam results  Analysis of STEN  Access Maths testing  From these results were identified strengths and weaknesses.

In order to achieve targets realistic measures had to be put in place.  From Sept 2013 all 1 st year students were required to have the same calculator (SHARP EL-W531).  Common tests across all departments.  Clock and Calendar in every classroom.  Walls are numeracy rich with posters and students work.  Maths week – Daily puzzles and poster competition, also visit to National Concert Hall  Returning tests as a fraction – students are to work out their own percentages  Homework – students who are underachieving or do not have support at home are recommended for Homework club or afterschool study.

 All schools can access the online JCSP resources.  3 Cross Curricular Numeracy statements were chosen: 1 st year - Measurement of Time. 2 nd year - Measurement of Length and Distance. 3 rd year - Basic Research and Statistics.

 The numeracy team meet on a regular basis – using Croke Park hours.  Other times are during in house exam time and transition year work experience weeks.  Minutes are taken at all meetings – an agenda is always in place, as time can be limited.  At times when management cannot attend meetings, the numeracy link person always liaises with them.  Minutes are always ed to management.  Management informs Board of Management about the progress of numeracy in the school.  We were also invited to present our findings and results from our surveys and testing to the Board of Management.

 A key point to remember is not to overwhelm the staff.  SSE folders were created for each subject department.  Drop Box is used regularly with staff and management. Avoids breakdown in communication.  A Numeracy Guide is kept in staff room at all times for staff to refer to if they have any queries

 Are kept in Principals office.  Schemes of work to be updated in a digital format, all schemes to have the same format and include provision for numeracy and literacy.  JCSP Statements are included – subject related and numeracy cross-curricular.  Checklist for numeracy and literacy.  Analysis of Junior Cert and Leaving Cert results.  Subject Specific numeracy planning and 10 key numeracy words in their subject area – Keep it simple for teachers!!

 The maths department created activities and saved them on the school server where all teachers have access to them.  Whole school involvement with puzzles of the day and posters and photograph competition.  Transition year students created maths trails for 2 nd year students.  Six week link programme was created with local National school, around the language of problem solving.

 Our next step was to run a whole school initiative.  We decided to begin with the ‘Have You Got Maths Eyes’ project. Students discover the maths eyes around them, and things they see everyday.

 To engage parents, we felt it was vital to inform them of the numeracy process.  We sent a letter to parents informing them of the Numeracy strengths identified from our data  We notified parents of three measures we were implementing to affirm good practice and identify areas that merit improvements, in order to achieve targets.  Management met with Parents Association and introduced our numeracy plan.  During open evening we had a room dedicated to Numeracy.

 Support from management is a key factor is setting up a successful Numeracy Plan.  Also support from PDST, and numeracy link training.  Parents and Board of Management also of great importance.  Work Colleagues  Time factor – management were generous with facilitating time allocation.  No Financial support was needed, unless a school is looking to purchase membership of Survey Monkey.  Numeracy Plan can be carried out with limited finances

 Retesting every year.  Re-survey every year.  Reviewing and comparing data.  Reviewing targets and measures.

 Keep targets minimal and achievable.  Don’t overwhelm staff but ensure a whole school collaborative approach – Numeracy is everyone’s responsibility.  There must be excellent communication between the link teacher, management, staff and board of management.  Increase communication with parents.  Numeracy key words must be incorporated in all subjects.  Set out a timeline – don’t do too much at once.