Latest news with #Coulson
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- General
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Cut the fluff': Fixing primary school maths one problem at a time
Templestowe Heights Primary School principal Rhys Coulson's motivation to overhaul the way his school taught maths came from his son. 'I wanted to avoid my own children struggling when they started primary school,' he said. About a year and a half ago, the school shifted to a model called systematic maths teaching. The results were dramatic, leading not only to an improvement in the school's NAPLAN results – which are now well above average in year 3 and 5 – but to a much more positive attitude among students. 'Children are really confident in mathematics now,' Coulson said. 'Because of that success, it's giving them motivation. The feedback we also get from parents is they can't believe what their child is now learning in mathematics.' A Grattan Institute report says school principals should act immediately to raise primary school maths proficiency. The report offers a step-by-step guide to a systematic and whole-of-school explicit teaching approach. 'Australia has a maths problem, and it starts in primary school,' says Grattan Institute education program director and report lead Jordana Hunter. 'Principals do not need to wait for others to act.' Explicit maths instruction Introduce new material in small chunks with clear, bite-sized learning intentions (eg 'We are learning to share equally between four groups'). Use precise mathematical vocabulary. Provide immediate feedback so students know if they are succeeding. Universal response mechanisms – such as mini whiteboards – can be helpful here. Show non-standard examples and non-examples to aid your explanation. Give students partially completed problems or problem pairs as a way of gradually reducing the amount of guidance. Identify and address misconceptions Systematic maths instruction includes explicit teaching, practising mathematical fluency, and applying what they know. It also aims to build maths knowledge and skills into students' long-term memory so it's easier to solve harder problems. Explicit teaching is a step-by-step teaching approach focusing on clearly explaining mathematical concepts, modelling problem-solving processes, giving students the chance to practice and giving immediate feedback.
The Age
3 days ago
- General
- The Age
‘Cut the fluff': Fixing primary school maths one problem at a time
Templestowe Heights Primary School principal Rhys Coulson's motivation to overhaul the way his school taught maths came from his son. 'I wanted to avoid my own children struggling when they started primary school,' he said. About a year and a half ago, the school shifted to a model called systematic maths teaching. The results were dramatic, leading not only to an improvement in the school's NAPLAN results – which are now well above average in year 3 and 5 – but to a much more positive attitude among students. 'Children are really confident in mathematics now,' Coulson said. 'Because of that success, it's giving them motivation. The feedback we also get from parents is they can't believe what their child is now learning in mathematics.' A Grattan Institute report says school principals should act immediately to raise primary school maths proficiency. The report offers a step-by-step guide to a systematic and whole-of-school explicit teaching approach. 'Australia has a maths problem, and it starts in primary school,' says Grattan Institute education program director and report lead Jordana Hunter. 'Principals do not need to wait for others to act.' Explicit maths instruction Introduce new material in small chunks with clear, bite-sized learning intentions (eg 'We are learning to share equally between four groups'). Use precise mathematical vocabulary. Provide immediate feedback so students know if they are succeeding. Universal response mechanisms – such as mini whiteboards – can be helpful here. Show non-standard examples and non-examples to aid your explanation. Give students partially completed problems or problem pairs as a way of gradually reducing the amount of guidance. Identify and address misconceptions Systematic maths instruction includes explicit teaching, practising mathematical fluency, and applying what they know. It also aims to build maths knowledge and skills into students' long-term memory so it's easier to solve harder problems. Explicit teaching is a step-by-step teaching approach focusing on clearly explaining mathematical concepts, modelling problem-solving processes, giving students the chance to practice and giving immediate feedback.
Global News
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Global News
Rainfall warning in place for Toronto, Durham as up to 60 mm possible
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for Toronto and Durham Region as up to 60 mm of rain is possible by the end of Thursday. The weather agency said, at around noon, about 35 mm of rain has already fall in the area. But another 20 mm of rain is still expected for areas east of the Don Valley Parkway before the rain tapers to showers in the evening. 'Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads,' Environment Canada said. 'Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.' Thursday's rain comes amid a stretch of rainfall that began on Wednesday and is expected to last until late Friday. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Toronto has been experiencing a stretch of unusually low temperatures that haven't been seen in late May in decades — as far back as a previous record low set on May 22, 1967. Story continues below advertisement Meteorologist Geoff Coulson, from Environment Canada, said the daytime high for Thursday, which is around 10 C to 11 C, is the normal nighttime low temperature for this time of year, and significantly below the typical daytime high of 20 C. 'In fact, the record for the coldest daytime high temperature at the airport in Toronto for May 22 … is 9.4 degrees, set back in 1967,' he said. Coulson said a cold front swept through southern Ontario on Sunday, bringing the cooler temperatures this week. NEW: Rainfall warning issued for Toronto and southern Durham Region. Rain totals are already over 40mm in some areas with an additional 20mm possible before rain tapers to showers this evening. — Anthony Farnell (@AnthonyFarnell) May 22, 2025
Global News
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Global News
Toronto's unusually low late May temperatures not seen since 1967: meteorologist
Toronto is experiencing a stretch of unusually low temperatures that haven't been seen in late May in decades. Environment Canada is forecasting a daytime high of 10 C on Thursday, which is close to 9.4 C recorded on May 22, 1967. Meteorologist Geoff Coulson says the daytime high forecast for Thursday is the normal nighttime low temperature for this time of year, and significantly below the typical daytime high of 20 C. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Coulson says a cold front swept through southern Ontario on Sunday, bringing cooler-than-normal temperatures this week. He says people planning outdoor activities over the coming days will need to dress warmly and keep an umbrella handy because periods of rain are also forecasted. Toronto temperatures hovering between 10 and 13 degrees are expected to bounce back up by the weekend with a daytime high of 18 C expected on Sunday, but another stretch of cooler weather is forecasted next week.
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Lillian Gray Art School students make Mother's Day gifts with their own hands
What do you get a mother who already has it all? A one-of-a-kind art piece made by their child. For Mother's Day recently, youngsters and tween artists at Lillian Gray Art School, poured their hearts and creativity into crafting truly special gifts, designed to spoil the amazing mothers in their lives. Read more: Squashing the myth that mothers cant do it all Art teacher Jemma Coulson said youngsters delved into the tactile world of clay. 'With careful hands and imaginative minds, they sculpted delicate, clay flower tealight holders. Each petal, carefully formed, and every base, thoughtfully shaped.' These handmade creations, served as a beautiful testament to their love, and a unique way to brighten mom's special day. Also read: How mothers, though different, share a commonality Meanwhile, their tweens channeled their artistic energy into painting stunning mini artworks on rocks. These transformed ordinary stones into miniature canvases which they meticulously brushed with vibrant colours and intricate designs. 'These pocket-sized masterpieces, each one a unique gem, captured their individual artistic flair. The detail and care poured into these tiny artworks made them truly extraordinary,' said Coulson. Whether is was through the time it took to craft every petal on the clay flower tealight holders, or design the perfect shape and colour on the stunning rock artworks, these artists were focused on making something special for their moms. 'It was awesome seeing them put so much care into these gifts. Proof that the best presents are the ones made with your own hands,' said the art teacher. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: A mothers pledge to change a life of a child
