Mathematics

Mathematics run a homework club once a week at recess and offer additional support at break times and before school at student request. We also use Connect to supply additional learning resources for students to use at home.

Every year the school takes part in the Australian Mathematics Competition. We have also take part in University STEM days, MAWA competitions and excursions as the opportunity arise. We also celebrate special days like pi day!

All careers involve Mathematics. Whether you are looking at leaving for a trade in Year 11 or hoping to study engineering, the basic Mathematics you learn in Year 7,8,9 and 10 is required!

CURRICULUM

Year 7

Number and Algebra 

Students solve problems involving the comparison, addition and subtraction of integers. They make the connections between whole numbers and index notation and the relationship between perfect squares and square roots. Students use fractions, decimals and percentages, and their equivalences. They express one quantity as a fraction or percentage of another. Students solve problems involving percentages and all four operations with fractions and decimals. They compare the cost of items to make financial decisions. Students represent numbers using variables. They connect the laws and properties for numbers to algebra. Students assign ordered pairs to given points on the Cartesian plane. They interpret simple linear representations and model authentic information. Students solve simple linear equations and evaluate algebraic expressions after numerical substitution. 

Measurement and Geometry 

Students describe different views of three-dimensional objects. They represent transformations in the Cartesian plane. Students solve simple numerical problems involving angles formed by a transversal crossing two lines. They use formulas for the area and perimeter of rectangles and calculate volumes of rectangular prisms. Students classify triangles and quadrilaterals. They name the types of angles formed by a transversal crossing parallel lines. 

Statistics and Probability 

Students identify issues involving the collection of continuous data. They construct stem-and-leaf plots and dot plots. Students describe the relationship between the median and mean in data displays. They calculate mean, mode, median and range for data sets. Students determine the sample space for simple experiments with equally likely outcomes and assign probabilities to those outcomes.

Year 8

Number and Algebra 

Students solve everyday problems involving rates, ratios and percentages. They describe index laws and apply them to whole numbers. Students describe rational and irrational numbers. They solve problems involving profit and loss. Students make connections between expanding and factorising algebraic expressions. They use efficient mental and written strategies to carry out the four operations with integers. Students simplify a variety of algebraic expressions. They solve linear equations and graph linear relationships on the Cartesian plane. 

Measurement and Geometry 

Students solve problems relating to the volume of prisms. They make sense of time duration in real applications. Students identify conditions for the congruence of triangles and deduce the properties of quadrilaterals. They convert between units of measurement for area and volume. Students perform calculations to determine perimeter and area of parallelograms, rhombuses and kites. They name the features of circles and calculate the areas and circumferences of circles. 

Statistics and Probability 

Students model authentic situations with two-way tables and Venn diagrams. They choose appropriate language to describe events and experiments. Students explain issues related to the collection of data and the effect of outliers on means and medians in that data. They determine the probabilities of complementary events and calculate the sum of probabilities.

Year 9

Number and Algebra 

Students solve problems involving simple interest. They apply the index laws to numbers and express numbers in scientific notation. Students expand binomial expressions. They find the distance between two points on the Cartesian plane and the gradient and midpoint of a line segment. Students sketch linear and non-linear relations. 

Measurement and Geometry 

Students interpret ratio and scale factors in similar figures. They explain similarity of triangles. Students recognise the connections between similarity and the trigonometric ratios. They calculate areas of shapes and the volume and surface area of right prisms and cylinders. Students use Pythagoras’ Theorem and trigonometry to find unknown sides of right-angled triangles. 

Statistics and Probability 

Students calculate relative frequencies to estimate probabilities, list outcomes for two-step experiments and assign probabilities for those outcomes. They compare techniques for collecting data from primary and secondary sources. Students construct histograms and back-to-back stem-and-leaf plots. They make sense of the position of the mean and median in skewed, symmetric and bi-modal displays to describe and interpret data.

Year 10

Number and Algebra 

Students recognise the connection between simple and compound interest. They solve problems involving linear equations and inequalities. Students make the connections between algebraic and graphical representations of relations. They expand binomial expressions and factorise monic quadratic expressions. Students find unknown values after substitution into formulas. They perform the four operations with simple algebraic fractions. Students solve simple quadratic equations and pairs of simultaneous equations. 

Measurement and Geometry 

Students solve surface area and volume problems relating to composite solids. They recognise the relationships between parallel and perpendicular lines. Students apply deductive reasoning to proofs and numerical exercises involving plane shapes. They use triangle and angle properties to prove congruence and similarity. Students use trigonometry to calculate unknown angles in right-angled triangles. 

Statistics and Probability 

Students compare data sets by referring to the shapes of the various data displays. They describe bivariate data where the independent variable is time. Students describe statistical relationships between two continuous variables. They evaluate statistical reports. Students list outcomes for multi-step chance experiments and assign probabilities for these experiments. They calculate quartiles and inter-quartile ranges.