Mathematics requires reasoning and creativity in employing abstraction and generalisation to identify, describe and apply patterns and relationships. The symbolic nature of Mathematics provides a powerful, precise and concise means of communication.
Mathematics incorporates the processes of questioning, reflecting, reasoning and proof. It is a powerful tool for solving familiar and unfamiliar problems both within and beyond Mathematics. As such, the study of Mathematics provides opportunities for students to learn to describe and apply patterns and relationships; reason, predict and solve problems; calculate accurately both mentally and in written form; estimate and measure; and interpret and communicate information presented in numerical, geometrical, graphical, statistical and algebraic forms.
The ability to make informed decisions and to interpret and apply Mathematics in a variety of contexts, is an essential component of students’ preparation for life in the 21st century.
To participate fully in society students need to develop the capacity to critically evaluate ideas and arguments that involve mathematical concepts or that are presented in mathematical form.
From the end of Term One of Year 7, students are placed into a Core or Extension Mathematics class, tailored to their level of skill in this subject. Further specialisation occurs in Year 8 and 9 with the formation of an Advanced Mathematics class which supplements the Australian Curriculum with material from the Cambridge IGCSE International Mathematics Syllabus.
The Year 10 Mathematics course offers students two parallel alternatives: Core Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics. Both subjects cover the Australian Curriculum, but the Advanced course quickly moves into foundational studies for Senior Mathematical Methods while Year 10 Core Mathematics is a natural pathway into General Mathematics in Year 11.
Ms Patricia Hosking
phosking@mfac.edu.au
