Learning

Mathematics Faculty

Years 8 to 12 Curriculum

Mathematics learning is central to numeracy. Numeracy is the ability to understand, critically respond to and use mathematics in different social, cultural and work contexts. This includes understanding how mathematics can be used in other Learning Areas.

Learning mathematics is an active and engaging process and through thinking and working mathematically learners should develop and use the processes of problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, making and using connections and the skills of representation.

Worldwide developments in mathematics mean that it is necessary to use technologies, including information and communication technologies, to be able to represent and model contextual applications of mathematics, to manage and interpret data and to critically use mathematics to understand the physical and social environment. Mathematics' curriculum should consider the changing nature of society and the importance of mathematics in addressing, understanding and further enhancing those changes.

In this context the mathematics curriculum at Parafield Gardens High School aims to develop in all students capabilities to:

• understand the social and work purposes, uses and practices of mathematics and how these relate to each other and shape futures
• understand and use mathematical language in creative and critical ways-both terminology and symbols
• be confident users of mathematics who choose appropriate and accurate means for exploring the world and conducting their lives
• gain pleasure from mathematics and appreciate its fascination and power
• appreciate that mathematics is a dynamic field with roots in all cultures
• apply their mathematics learning to other Learning Areas, to life in the wider community, and in accessing further education and training.

Mathematics is a full year compulsory subject from years 8 to 10. Years 8 to 9 are classes of mixed ability, however in years 10 to 12 two options are provided, pure and applications.

The mathematics learning area is structured around the following strands:

• Exploring, analysing and modelling data
• Measurement
• Number
• Pattern and algebraic reasoning
• Spatial sense and geometric reasoning
• Analysing and modelling change