Cross-curriculum Priorities
Cross-curriculum Priorities support the Western Australian Curriculum to be a relevant, contemporary and engaging curriculum that reflects national, regional and global contexts. Cross‑curriculum Priorities are incorporated through learning area content; they are not separate learning areas or subjects. They provide opportunities to enrich the content of the learning areas, where most appropriate and authentic, allowing students to engage with and better understand their world.
Opportunities to apply Cross-curriculum Priorities to learning area content vary. All three Cross‑curriculum Priorities have relevance and meaning to the Mathematics curriculum.
In Mathematics, students can engage with and value the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in relation to mathematics. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have complex kinship systems that connect all people to environmental systems, which is the hallmark of sustainability. Students can explore connections between representations of number and pattern and investigate time, place, relationships and measurement concepts in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contexts. The knowledge and understanding gained through this priority will enhance the ability of all young people to participate positively in the ongoing development of Australia.
Mathematics provides opportunities to explore the significant contributions of Asian cultures to the development and application of mathematical ideas, such as number systems, algorithms and calculation tools. Through contexts including art, architecture, design, trade and travel, students build an understanding of Asia’s global influence and recognise the diversity within and between the countries of the Asia region.
In Mathematics, students develop skills in mathematical modelling, statistical investigation and analysis, which are essential for identifying and exploring sustainability issues and proposed solutions. Students can apply spatial reasoning, measurement, estimation, calculation and comparison to gauge the health of local ecosystems and to cost proposed actions for sustainability.
Mathematical understandings and skills are necessary to model, measure, monitor and quantify change in social, economic and ecological systems over time. Statistical analysis enables the prediction of probable futures based on findings and helps inform decision-making and actions that lead to preferred futures.