Mathematics
Mathematics is integral to a general, well-rounded education. Mathematics is central to modern life and society and as such, the study of Mathematics enhances a student's understanding of the world. Mathematics is essential for computational and scientific literacy, for the development of problem-solving skills and for the understanding and use of data and information to make well-considered decisions.
The Faculty of Mathematics aims to develop the following attributes in students:
- knowledge, procedures and essential skills
- modelling and solving problems utilising a variety of strategies
- the capacity to justify and communicate in a variety of forms
Students are given the opportunity to appreciate and experience the power inherent in mathematical reasoning, allowing them to recognise relationships and to search for patterns and recurrence in logically based situations.
This subject encourages students to work systematically and logically and reflect, justify and communicate. An understanding of Mathematics instils confidence and provides a basis for a wide range of further studies and future endeavours.
(Students also may wish to peruse the attached page of useful links for further Mathematics resources).
Mr Noel Covill
Head of Faculty - Mathematics
The Year 8 Mathematics course focuses on developing knowledge of Mathematics for life skills, developing skills to communicate using symbols and words, developing skills to organise and process information and developing the ability to solve problems that are both familiar and unfamiliar in nature. Students in Year 8 at Terrace come to us from a large number of primary schools and with a wide variety of skills and achievements in Mathematics. Our course aims to reinforce the skills already possessed and provide students with the knowledge and background to the level required to undertake the Mathematics courses in Years 9 and 10.
The Year 9 Mathematics course continues the development of the students and follows the QSA Mathematics Year 1 to 10 Syllabus and the Essential Elements as outlined in the Year 8 course. The emphasis at all times is on involvement of students in the learning process. There are different methods of instruction and assessment methods utilised in order to allow for differing styles of learning.
The Mathematics course is primarily designed to prepare students for Mathematics B and Mathematics C. This is achieved by structuring the course and the assessment to provide ample opportunity for students to receive the requisite knowledge in order to be prepared for the Senior level Mathematics courses.
Years 11 and 12 - Mathematics A
Mathematics A is an integral part of a general education. It is important in making informed decisions on everyday issues such as choosing loan repayment schedules, interpreting information from the media and estimating quantities of materials.
Years 11 and 12 - Mathematics B
Mathematics B is designed to raise the students' competence in, and confidence with, the Mathematics needed to make informed decisions to ensure scientific literacy and to function effectively in a technologically skilled work force. These skills are needed not only in the traditional careers of engineering or the physical sciences but also as tools in fields as diverse as agriculture, food technology, geography, biology, economics and management.
Years 11 and 12 - Mathematics C
In Mathematics C, students are given the opportunity to develop their full mathematical potential and extend the knowledge acquired in Mathematics B. They will be encouraged to recognise the dynamic nature of Mathematics through problem solving and applications in life-related situations. Opportunities are provided for students to appreciate and experience the power of Mathematics, and to see the role it plays as a tool in modelling and understanding many aspects of the world's environment. Mathematics C is a highly desirable preparatory course for students who intend pursuing a career involving the study of Mathematics and/or Science at a tertiary level.
