Mathematical thinking influences decisions in all areas of life - private, social and civil. The mathematics' curriculum provides a framework, which enables the children to develop mathematical knowledge and mathematical skills, and understanding of how they can be applied in everyday life.

The comprehensive concepts for mathematical thinking and mathematical tasks should support the teaching and learning process in these five basic areas:

  • Numbers and the decadal system
  • Arithmetic
  • Calculating with variables
  • Geometric shapes and spatial thinking
  • Handling data

In every area, children should learn to:

  • understand and apply facts, methods and concepts
  • interpret results and share information in mathematical language
  • establish connections between mathematical concepts and procedures
  • apply these skills in practical and meaningful mathematical tasks

The children are encouraged to discover their own approaches and to discuss mathematical problems with their classmates, to think logically and to understand the importance of mathematics in everyday life according to the child's development stage.

Account should be taken of the following didactic principles:

  • Developing the language of mathematics
  • Developing and using calculations in the four operations
  • The different role and functions of exercises
  • Using a range of illustrative examples
  • Varying methods of representation
  • Varying teaching and learning methods

Mathematics is the only subject in which homogenous material exists for all language sections and years: the Intermath books. There are two (or three) compulsory workbooks assigned for each year and each languages section. This ensures that the teaching and learning content is identical for all classes and years. Intermath books can be complemented by national materials.

Each year, the teachers of all years and language sections are informed about the material available at the school, about training sessions as well as about important information regarding the annual meeting of the mathematics coordinators of all European Schools. New colleagues receive an introduction to the concept of Intermath.

For several years, the ESM has regularly been taken part in the "Kangaroo Mathematics" competition. Traditionally, on the third Thursday in March all third to fifth years of Primary School classes as well as classes of different language sections of the Secondary School (except for classes which do not correspond to the languages of the competition) participate. The task sheets are distributed in each of the participating language sections. This competition is also carried out internationally.

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