Mathematics Faculty

Year 8, 9 & 10 Mathematics

Our Mathematics program is designed to allow students to THINK, REASON and WORK mathematically. We are keen to see what students can do and to extend as much as possible on their abilities. Therefore the entry point to each topic is adjusted to suit the development of the student. This is achieved, partly, by the use of constructivism, an approach which involves “hands on” activities that enable students to construct their own meanings for mathematical concepts. Students will work in groups and learn to discuss their work to reinforce the meanings they have built and to correct misconceptions.

Throughout all the three years we strive to make students numerate but we also want to ensure that each student develops as far as possible. There is therefore a stress on the use of technology. Although this includes basic instruments and stationery, there is great use of electronic technology. Starting with a scientific calculator which is required at every lesson, students will be exposed repeatedly to computers as well as graphing calculators. This is particularly emphasised in the year 10 elective. We are reliant on Microsoft Word and Excel which is installed on all school computers available for student use. It is not necessary to have this at home but we would encourage it. The school also has class sets of graphing calculators which are available for use in many topic areas. We have been involved in the trial of the QCAR (Queensland Curriculum Assessment and Reporting) framework and are committed to its future implementation.

Core mathematics is a compulsory whole year subject in years 8, 9 and 10. The five topics or strands covered in each of the year levels are Number, Space & Location, Measurement, Chance & Data and Patterns & Algebra. We would expect an increased proficiency with these topics throughout the course of study. Assessment could include investigations, oral presentations, assignments and tests and the student’s profile is continuously updated each year. Students need to be aware that a folder of evidence that will support judgments about the standard of their work will be commenced from the first lesson.

10 Maths B elective is intended for mathematically inquisitive students and students who are planning to do Maths B and / or Maths C in years 11 and 12. Topics include Algebra, Analytical Geometry, Problem solving and use of computers and graphics calculators. We give individual advice to students but briefly, Maths B and C are prerequisite for most tertiary courses in sciences and engineering. Maths A is not usually a tertiary prerequisite.

Year 11 & 12 Mathematics

There are four subjects available in the senior school: Pre-Vocational Maths, Mathematics A, Mathematics B and Mathematics C. An outline of each follows...