Samoa School Syllabus - Mathematics

This document outlines the Mathematics syllabus for primary school levels 1-8 in Samoa. It emphasizes developing mathematical thinking, understanding, and application, fostering creativity and enjoyment of the subject, and promoting lifelong learning. The curriculum is structured around six strands: one process strand (Working Mathematically) and five content strands (Number and Operations, Patterns and Algebra, Data Analysis, Measurement, and Space and Geometry). These strands are further divided into substrands. The syllabus also highlights key principles, essential skills, values, inclusive education considerations, and the role of language learning in mathematics. Assessment is an integral part of the curriculum and is used for learning, as learning, and of learning.

Strands and Substrands

• Working Mathematically (WM): This process strand underpins all content areas and focuses on developing mathematical processes such as interpreting questions, thinking strategically, reasoning, reflecting, and communicating mathematically.
• Number and Operations (NR): This strand covers number sense, operations, computation strategies, and problem-solving. Substrands include Whole Numbers, Addition and Subtraction, Multiplication and Division, Fractions and Decimals, and Chance.
• Patterns and Algebra (PA): This strand introduces number patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking. Substrands include Patterns and Number Relationships.
• Data Analysis (DA): This strand focuses on understanding, interpreting, analyzing, and presenting data. The substrand is Data Analysis.
• Measurement (MS): This strand covers measuring attributes of objects, selecting appropriate units, and calculating derived measures. Substrands include Length, Area, Volume and Capacity, Mass, and Time.
• Space and Geometry (SG): This strand explores spatial forms, shapes, and their properties. Substrands include Three-Dimensional Space, Two-Dimensional Space, and Position.

Year-Level Outcomes and Content

The syllabus provides detailed achievement objectives, learning outcomes, and key ideas for each year level (1-8) within each strand and substrand. These outline the specific knowledge, skills, and understanding students are expected to develop at each stage. The outcomes are coded for easy reference (e.g., NR2.3 refers to the third outcome in the Number and Operations strand for Year 2).

Key Principles

The curriculum is guided by key principles, including Equity, Quality, Relevance, Efficiency, and Sustainability, ensuring that education is fair, high-quality, meaningful, and prepares students for the future.

Essential Skills and Values

The syllabus emphasizes developing essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, aesthetic judgment, social and cultural skills, self-management, knowledge integration, and technology use. Values such as fairness, honesty, excellence, responsibility, respect, and tolerance are also promoted.

Inclusive Education and Gender

The curriculum is committed to inclusive education, providing support for diverse learners, including those with disabilities and gifted students. It also promotes gender equality, ensuring equal opportunities and challenging stereotypes.

Language Learning through Mathematics

The syllabus recognizes the importance of language development in mathematics learning, emphasizing the use of both Samoan and English to describe and communicate mathematical concepts.

Assessment

Assessment is integral to the curriculum and is used for learning, as learning, and of learning. It involves providing opportunities for students to demonstrate outcomes, gathering evidence, making judgments, and informing teaching practices.