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| Mrs Allison Gunning | Mrs Kay Stakemire | ||
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| Mrs Bronwyn Gebers | Mrs Colleen Cumming |
Mathematics is an essential element in the curriculum of any student who intends to pursue a career in the physical, mathematical, computer, life, earth, space and environmental sciences, or in technology. Mathematics also has an important role in the economic, management and social sciences.
Not having Mathematics does not, however, exclude a student from a wide range of courses, nor from entering university.
Mathematics enables students to:
- communicate appropriately by using descriptions in words, graphs, symbols, tables and diagrams;
- use mathematical process skills to identify, pose and solve problems creatively and critically;
- organise, interpret and manage authentic activities in substantial mathematical ways that demonstrate responsibility and sensitivity to personal and broader societal concerns;
The approach to Mathematics in Grade 10, 11 and 12 is more formal, theoretical and abstract than in Grade 8 and 9. As well as continuing with Algebra, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry and Calculus are studied. The emphasis is on contexts, and integration within Mathematics and across the curriculum is maintained.
Mathematical Literacy provides students with an awareness and understanding of the role that mathematics plays in the modern world. It is a subject driven by life-related applications of mathematics. It enables students to develop the ability and confidence to think numerically and spatially in order to interpret and critically analyse everyday situations and to solve problems.
Contexts are central to the development of Mathematical Literacy in students. By its very nature, the subject is rooted in the lives of the students. It is through engaging students in situations of a mathematical nature experienced in their lives that the teacher will bring home to them the usefulness and importance of mathematical ways of thought in solving problems in such situations.
