Mathematics

When studying Mathematics, students learn to use the concepts of number, measurement, chance and data, space and algebra to describe and understand their social and physical world.

Mathematics teaches students to become observant, interpret results and to draw general conclusions, all skills that are required in everyday life. Mathematical ideas have evolved across all cultures over thousands of years and are constantly developing. Digital technologies are facilitating this expansion of ideas and providing access to new tools for continuing mathematical exploration and invention.

The Mathematics Department seeks to foster inquiring minds and enhance the students’ appreciation of the many benefits of studying Mathematics. Students who are talented in Mathematics have opportunities to participate in various enrichment activities. These include Mathematics Challenge, Have Sum Fun, Maths Olympiad and the annual Australian Mathematics Competition.

Years 7, 8, 9 and 10

Mathematics is a compulsory subject in Years 7-10. The content is divided into three content strands to reflect the new Australian Curriculum. They are Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. We encourage students to solve problems within the context of these strands, as well as becoming proficient in mathematical understanding, and developing fluency with basic skills and calculations together with logical reasoning and analytical thought. Each year level is divided into courses and students are placed into courses that best suit their ability.

Year 11 and 12

In Year 11 and 12 students can choose a Mathematics pathway that is relevant to their capabilities and interest. The WACE courses are divided into Mathematics (MAT) and Mathematics-Specialist (MAS).

We offer the following courses in Year 11 and 12:

• 1BC MAT (Year 11) and IDE MAT (Year 12) (Wholly school assessed courses)

• 2AB MAT (Year 11)

• 2CD MAT (Year 11 and 12)

• 3AB MAT (Year 11 and 12)

• 3CD MAT (Year 12)

• 3AB MAS (Year 11)

• 3CD MAS (Year 12)

Although Mathematics is not compulsory in Years 11 and 12, there are very few students who do not choose to further their mathematical knowledge. We are very proud of this as concern is often raised in the broader community that girls are not studying in the Science/Mathematics fields in their latter years of schooling.