Mathematics is a way of organising our experience of the world. It enriches our understanding and enables us to communicate and make sense of our experiences. It also gives us enjoyment. By doing mathematics we can solve a range of practical tasks and real-life problems. We use it in many areas of our lives. In mathematics we use ordinary language and the special language of mathematics. We need to teach students to use both these languages. We can work on problems within mathematics and we can work on problems that use mathematics as a tool, like problems in science and geography. Mathematics can describe and explain but it can.
