MATHS PATHWAY

With the issuing of Semester 1 reports we have had some enquiries from parents of Year7 and 8 students about the grading. Students in Years 7 and 8 have their average growth reported as well as an overall grade. These are 2 very different measures. The growth reflects how much the student has grown in their mathematical skills over the semester. An average growth of 200% over the first semester shows that this student has had a years growth in mathematics over that semester. Essentially the growth shows how consistently the student has applied themself to their studies.

Alternatively, the Overall Grade shows the level of Mathematics skills and knowledge demonstrated by the student as measured by the NESA Common Grade Scale. So it is possible for a student to be awarded an A with a very low growth rate and vice versa.

YEAR 9

Recently Year 9 students have been doing a project based on Olympic Games data. They are finding data to verify the statement that;

“the number of Olympic Medals won by a country is determined by the wealth of that country”.

This has required them to work with spreadsheets with vast quantities of data. The spreadsheets they use have over 13 thousand lines of data. The students have learned skills to extract the information they need using pivot tables and formulas.

YEAR 11

Students studying Mathematics Standard are investigating the cost of buying, running and maintaining a car. The students report that this is a particularly useful project as they are learning about practical aspects of repaying a loan, registration, insurances and other costs.

HOMESTUDY

Years 7 and 8: As students have access to their own learning program they have homework to undertake each day. It is advised that students complete at least 15 minutes of maths homework every weekday evening (5 nights per week). Any issues that arise should be discussed with the teacher the next day.

Years 9 and 10 can be expected to do about 20 minutes each weekday evening whilst Years 11 and 12 would expect at least 30 minutes each night.

MATHS TUITION

Parents often enquire about extra assistance for their child. The Maths staff very generously offer their time every Thursday afternoon in B-block until 4pm. Students come along and do homework or study and have teachers readily available to help. This is always spoken of by departing Year 12 students as being of real benefit to their studies. Here is a link to the permission note.