Drawing strongly on the definition used by the National Numeracy Project, SELB has agreed the following definition :

"Numeracy means knowing about number and number operations. More than this, it requires an ability and inclination to solve numerical problems, including those involving money or measures. It also demands familiarity with the ways in which numerical information is gathered by counting and measuring, and is presented in graphs, charts and tables. It relates to a sense of shape and movement."

The above definition would however be widely acceptable as a definition for Mathematics. Hence there is a substantial overlap in the definition of Mathematics and of numeracy.

In the School Improvement Programme the term 'numeracy' is defined to be synonymous with Mathematics. However, the impact of numeracy in the curriculum is identified within the document as a whole-school issue, in terms of :

• curriculum planning
• delivery
• evaluation

While Mathematics may be regarded as a subject in its own right, with a teaching progression and development, the term numeracy brings with it connotations of real-life applications and the use of Mathematics as a natural tool throughout the curriculum rather than something set apart. As such, Mathematics becomes a key skill in the curriculum and also a life skill. The term numeracy then emphasises an explicit cross-curricularity for Mathematics which will benefit the whole curriculum and which will increase meaning and motivation for pupils in using Mathematics as well. The promotion of numeracy should be seen as the responsibility of all teachers.