Year 7 and 8 have been working hard on Maths Pathways ensuring that gaps in their Mathematics knowledge are being filled or in some cases extended beyond the Stage 4 syllabus. Year 7 have been investigating scale drawings by designing a room in their house and drawing the furniture to scale to ensure that it fits. Year 8 completed an assessment at the end of last term to check their recall of work they had completed in Semester 1. This would be a good time to check in with your child as to how these tasks went. 

We also have a few students in Year 7 who are being extended through the Australian Maths Trust program designed to broaden their mathematical understanding beyond the syllabus. Problem solving is at the heart of this program and these skills are developing nicely. Year 8 are focusing each week on problem solving by using the Singapore Bar model method. This technique allows for a visual representation of the problem to be built by the student leading to an algebraic model. These problem solving methods are used to improve students' engagement with real life problems and allow them to develop the skills needed to be successful in senior school and life in general.

STAGE 5

Year 9 and 10 both had assignments as an assessment at the end of term 2. Year 9 developed their understanding of financial mathematics, specifically taxation, through an activity where they selected a future job, calculated their income and annual tax followed by establishing a loan to buy their desired car. Year 10 were required to focus on the Australian Open by understanding the current draw and developing an alternative proposal. This allowed them to deepen their understanding of  indices and why mathematics is important in sport. Students engaged with both these tasks and strong results were achieved throughout the year groups.

Year 9 is currently working on trigonometry and year 10 equations. Both these topics will be assessed in their Term 3 tasks in week 9.

STAGE 6

Year 12 have been reviewing for their trial HSC this week and will return to school to complete the last of the course work. Students value the support they receive at home and with about 5 weeks of classes left on their return to school it is important they are reviewing past HSC papers and checking in with their teacher for study hints to get the most out of this time.

Year 11 students are also starting to prepare for the Preliminary exams in week 8. Students should be reviewing their class notes, completing past papers and clarifying misunderstandings with their class teacher.

With senior exams fast approaching it is a good time to remind families that the Mathematics faculty supports our students during lunchtime on Tuesdays and Fridays in B5 by providing access to teachers to help with any questions, or just a quiet place to study. All students are welcome.