Using and Applying Mathematics Band Descriptors

The following are amended descriptors for NAPLAN band Using and Applying Mathematics
a) Level 8 Band 10
i) Develop and follow alternative methods and approaches
ii) reflect on lines of enquiry when exploring mathematical tasks
iii) Select and combine known facts and problem solving strategies to solve problems of increased complexity
iv) Convey mathematical meaning through precise and consistent use of symbols
v) Examine generalisations or solutions reached in an activity, commenting constructively on the reasoning and logic or the process employed, or the results obtained
vi) Distinguish between practical demonstration and proof; know underlying assumptions, recognizing their importance and limitations, and effect of varying them
vii) Applies ratio to calculate a proportion
b) Level 7 Band 9
i) Solve increasingly demanding problems and evaluate solutions; explore connections in mathematics across a range of contexts: number, algebra, shape, space and measures, and handling data; refine or extend the mathematics used to generate fuller solutions
ii) Give reasons for choice of presentation, explaining selected features and showing insight into the problem structure.
iii) Justify generalizations, arguments or solutions.
iv) Appreciate the difference between mathematical explanation and experimental evidence
v) Applies a proportion to calculate distance
c) Level 6 Band 8
i) Solve problems and carry through substantial tasks by breaking them into smaller, more manageable tasks, using a range of efficient techniques, methods and resources, including ICT; give solutions to an appropriate degree of accuracy.
ii) Interpret, discuss and synthesize information in a variety of mathematical forms
iii) Present a concise, reasoned argument, using symbols, diagrams, graphs and related explanatory texts.
iv) Use logical argument to establish the truth of a statement
v) Applies knowledge of intersecting lines to calculate angle size.
d) Level 5 Band 7
i) Identify and obtain necessary information to carry through a task and solve mathematical problems
ii) Check results, considering whether these are reasonable
iii) Solve word problems and investigations from a range of contexts
iv) show understanding of situations by describing them mathematically using symbols, words and diagrams
v) draw simple conclusions of their own and give an explanation of their reasoning
e) Level 4 Band 6
i) develop own strategies for solving problems
ii) use their own strategies within mathematics and in applying mathematics to practical contexts
iii) present information and results in a clear and organised way
iv) search for a solution by trying out ideas of their own
f) Level 3 Band 5
i) select the mathematics they use in a wider range of classroom activities
ii) try different approaches and find ways of overcoming difficulties that arise when they are solving problems
iii) begin to organise their work and check results
iv) use and interpret mathematical symbols and diagrams
v) understand a general statement by finding particular examples that match it
vi) review their work and reasoning
g) level 2 Band 4
i) select the mathematics they use in some classroom activities
ii) discuss their work using mathematical language
iii) begin to represent their work using symbols and simple diagrams
iv) predict what comes next in a simple number, shape or spatial pattern or sequence and give
v) reasons for their opinions
vi) explain why an answer is correct