The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
By studying mathematics, students learn to work mathematically – developing fluency, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning and communication skills.
The syllabus consists of the following strands:
- number and algebra
- measurement and geometry
- statistics and probability.
In Year 11 and 12, the study of mathematics is optional. Courses offered include:
- Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Advanced
- Mathematics Standard 2
- Mathematics Standard 1 (Optional HSC examination)
- Mathematics Life Skills.
Course overview
The mathematics faculty provides an academic, supportive environment that encourages students to achieve to their highest level.
In Years 7 to 10, students are provided with opportunities to develop their interest in mathematics through activities such as the Australian mathematics competition, the Australasian problem solving mathematical olympiad, the mathematics challenge and the enrichment stage of the mathematics challenge.
Year 11 students can choose from extension 1 mathematics and mathematics. In Year 12, a further option of extension 2 mathematics is offered for those who have done well in Year 11 extension 1 course.
In Years 7 and 8 we have 4 classes each consisting of 30 students. These classes are not streamed. In Years 9 and 10 we stream the classes based on the Year 8 results. We have two top class and two bottom class in Years 9 and 10.
Curriculum
Years 7 and 8
All students study the Stage 4 content of the Years 7 to 10 mathematics syllabus. The work students do is mainly based on ‘Mathscape 7 'for Year 7, ‘Mathscape 8' for Year 8.
Years 9 and 10
All students study the content of the Years 7 to 10 athematics syllabus. The text books used are 'Signpost advanced' for Year 9 and ‘Signpost advanced' for Year 10.
Year 11
- Mathematics 2 unit
- Mathematics extension 1
Year 12
- Mathemaics 2 unit
- Mathematics extension 1
- Mathematics extension 2
Year 11 and 12 students are issued with Cambridge mathematics 3 unit and Cambridge mathematics 2 unit text books. In addition to exercises in these text books teachers choose selected exercises from the following:
Mathematics 2 unit
- New senior mathematics 2 unit course by J. B. Fitzpatrick
- 2 unit mathematics book 1 and book 2 by S.B Jones and K.E Couchman
- Maths in focus 2 unit book 1 and book 2 by Margaret Grove
- Essentials of mathematics book 1 by Terry Lee
Mathematics Extension 1
- New senior mathematics 3 unit course by J.B. Fitzpatrick
- 3 unit mathematics book 1 and book 2 by S.B Jones and K.E Couchman
- Maths in focus extension 1 book 1 and book 2 by Margaret Grove
- Essentials of mathematics book 2 by Terry Lee
Mathematics Extension 2
- Maths extension 2 by S.K Patel
- New senior mathematics four unit course for Year 12 by J.B. Fitzpatrick
- 4 unit mathematics by Denise Arnold and Graham Arnold
- Advanced mathematics complete higher school certificate mathematics extension 2 course by Terry Lee
- Revised 4 unit course for mathematics extension 2 by J. Coroneos
- New 4 unit supplement for mathematics extension 2
Competitions and events
Years 7 and 8
- Australasian problem solving mathematical olympiad (60 selected students, 30 from each year)
- Australian mathematics competition (all students)
- Mathematics challenge for young Australians - challenge stage and enrichment stage (selected students)
Years 9 and 10
- Australian mathematics competition (all students)
- Mathematics challenge for young Australians - challenge stage and enrichment stage (selected students)
Years 11 and 12
- Australian mathematics competition