Mathematics
Mathematics has an important role in providing key skills that are required in many different aspects of life. Through the use of mathematical concepts and principles and the improvement of mathematical thinking, students will be encouraged to develop a logical approach that will assist them in solving a wide variety of problems. Above all, students should find Mathematics a very satisfying, challenging and enjoyable subject.
What will students do in the junior years?
Mathematics is a compulsory subject for students in the junior years and all students in Years 7 – 10 study the following strands.
- Number (including fractions, decimals, percentages, consumer arithmetic and probability)
- Patterns and Algebra (including algebraic techniques and coordinate geometry)
- Data (including graphing and interpreting data)
- Measurement (including perimeter, area, surface area, volume and trigonometry)
- Space and Geometry (including properties of solids and geometrical figures)
What can students do in the senior years?
Mathematics in the senior years is not compulsory and the following courses are offered to Year 11 and 12 students to cater for differing levels of ability.
- Applied Mathematics is designed to promote the development of knowledge, skills and understanding in areas of Mathematics that have direct application to the broad range of human activity, including a range of post-school pathways requiring a variety of mathematical and statistical techniques.
- General Mathematics provides a strong foundation for vocational pathways, either in the workforce or in further vocational training studies, and for university courses in the areas of business, the humanities, nursing and paramedical sciences.
- Mathematics is a sufficient basis for further studies in mathematics as a minor discipline at university in courses such as the life sciences or commerce.
- Mathematics Extension 1 is a recommended minimum basis for further studies in mathematics as a major discipline at a tertiary level, and for the study of mathematics in support of the physical and engineering sciences. Students who study Mathematics Extension 1 must also successfully complete the Mathematics course at the same time.
- Mathematics Extension 2 is available in Year 12 only to students who are very successful and interested in Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics in Year 11. Placement in this course is by invitation only.
What other activities are available to students?
Every student has the opportunity to be successful in Mathematics through a variety of programs that provide support and / or enrichment depending on the needs of the student. The following are some of the initiatives, resources and programs available to maximize the learning outcomes of students at Bass High School.
- Mathematical Excursions including Quality Teaching Tasks
- Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)
- Peer Numeracy
- Australian Financial Literacy Assessment (AFLA)
- Mathematics Computer Lab
- Online tutorials, Chess, Homework in the Maths Lab every lunch
- Friday early morning tutorials for seniors
- Freefall Mathematics