Maths
Mathematics is an area of knowledge that has applications in all human activities. Mathematics must be a positive experience in which students develop confidence and a sense of achievement from learning. The standards in the
Mathematics domain are organised in five dimensions:
- Number
- Space
- Measurement, chance and data
- Structure
- Working mathematically.
Aims for essential learning in school mathematics are for students to:
- demonstrate useful mathematical and numeracy skills for successful general employment and functioning in society
- solve practical problems with mathematics, especially industry and work-based problems
- develop specialist knowledge in mathematics that provides for further study in the discipline
- see mathematical connections and be able to apply mathematical concepts, skills and processes in posing and solving mathematical problems
- be confident in one’s personal knowledge of mathematics, to feel able both to apply it, and to acquire new knowledge and skills when needed
- be empowered through knowledge of mathematics as a numerate citizen, able to apply this knowledge critically in societal and political contexts
- develop understanding of the role of mathematics in life, society and work; the role of mathematics in history; and mathematics as a discipline – its big ideas, history, aesthetics and philosophy.
Mathematical knowledge includes knowledge of concepts, objects, definitions and structures. Mathematical reasoning and thinking underpins all aspects of school mathematics, including problem posing, problem solving, investigation and modelling. It encompasses the development of algorithms for computation, formulation of problems, making and testing conjectures, and the development of abstractions for further investigation.
Students will engage in mathematical activity which develops:
- knowledge of facts and technical skills
- depth of conceptual understanding
- ability to communicate using clear and precise mathematical language
- ability to tackle non-routine problems systematically
- ability to apply what has been learned to solve real problems
- ability to conduct investigations using mathematics
- logical reasoning and a conception of the nature of proof
- practical ability in measuring, estimating and making
- judicious use of calculators and computers (see Interactive Numeracy Web Page).
Students also have the option to compete in the New South Wales Math Competition.