Numeracy in the arts
Numeracy is the ability to use mathematical ideas efficiently to make sense of the world. Each individual's interpretation of the worl draws on understandings of number, measurement, chance, data and special sense combines with critical mathematical thinking. (State Literacy and Numeracy Plan)
The arts draw on mathematical ideas in content in all syllabuses. For example:
* music and mathematics share aspects of structure and form, patterns and rhythm. As a result of learning in music, students understand and apply concepts related to number, such as motifs, patterns, repetition, variation, counting, rhythm, phrasing, sections, round and canon.
* visualisation skills developed in visual arts provide a foundation for developing number relationships, pattern appreciation and spatial awareness. As a result of learning in visual arts, students understand and apply concepts related to space and measurement, such as size, scale, length, distance, volume and time
* space is a key element in mathematics and dance. As a result of learning in dance, students understand and apply concepts related to space and number, such as positive and negative shape, pathway, position, relationships, viewpoint, dimension, patterns, repetition, variation, counting, rhythm and form.Student numeracy can be developed both in and through the arts by:
1. focused numeracy activities that address specific skills identified by Mathematics outcomes e.g. identifying number patterns, calculating volume or size, identifying shapes and forms
2. the use of identified numeracy strategies, such as counting, identifying rhythmic patterns, tesselations, graphing, mapping, perspective to develop numeracy skills
3, focusing on arts content and pedagogy that enhances numeracy learning, e.g. teaching space in dance, constructing three-dimensional artworks, notating rhythm patterns and form in music, composition in music, dance and visual arts
4. focusing on aspects of numeracy particular to the arts: musicality, visualisation, aesthetics, kinaesthetic awareness (proprioception)