Learning and Teaching

St Joseph’s Catholic College provides a safe, caring and supportive environment in which each student is shaped by her relationship with Jesus in the Catholic tradition and is inspired by St Mary of the Cross MacKillop to make a difference in the world.

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Mathematics

Mathematics is essential in our daily lives as it provides a precise means of communication and a powerful tool for solving real world problems. Mathematics is used to identify, describe and apply patterns, as well as to make investigations and predictions in society.
In addition to practical applications, the study of Mathematics is a valuable pursuit in its own right, providing opportunities for originality, challenge and leisure. The aim of the Mathematics Learning Area at St ?Joseph’s Catholic College is to develop students’ mathematical understanding and competence, as well as their creativity, enjoyment and appreciation of the subject and their engagement in lifelong learning. We strive to equip all students with the skills to think critically, to make informed decisions, and to interpret and apply mathematics in a variety of contexts as a necessary component of their preparation for life in the twenty-first century.
Stage 4and 5: Years 7 to 10

At St Joseph’s we cater for all levels of mathematical ability. Classes are graded based on both ability and performance. Confidence is a vital ingredient to success in Mathematics and therefore, moving at an appropriate pace helps maintain that confidence.

The essential content for Mathematics in years 7–10 is centred around the following strands and objectives:

 

Strand
Objective
Working Mathematically Students will develop understanding and fluency in mathematics through inquiry, exploring and connecting mathematical concepts, choosing and applying problem-solving skills and mathematical techniques, communication and reasoning.
Number and Algebra Students will develop efficient strategies for numerical calculation, recognise patterns, describe relationships and apply algebraic techniques and generalisation.
Measurement and Geometry Students will identify, visualise and quantify measures and the attributes of shapes and objects, and explore measurement concepts and geometric relationships, applying formulas, strategies and geometric reasoning in the solution of problems.
Statistics and Probability Students will collect, represent, analyse, interpret and evaluate data, assign and use probabilities, and make sound judgements.

The Mathematics Years 7 to 10 syllabus forms part of the continuum of Mathematics learning from Kindergarten to Year 10.

The following diagram represents available pathways of learning in Mathematics from early Stage 1 to Stage 6. In this diagram, the stages refer to the level of knowledge of Mathematics learning rather than to the stages of schooling. In this way it is acknowledged that a student who is in Year 7, for example, may still be working towards Stage 3 outcomes, just as a student in Year 8, for example, may be working towards Stage 5 outcomes.

The Mathematics Years 7 to 10 syllabus forms part of the continuum of Mathematics learning from Kindergarten to Year 10.

The following diagram represents available pathways of learning in Mathematics from early Stage 1 to Stage 6. In this diagram, the stages refer to the level of knowledge of Mathematics learning rather than to the stages of schooling. In this way it is acknowledged that a student who is in Year 7, for example, may still be working towards Stage 3 outcomes, just as a student in Year 8, for example, may be working towards Stage 5 outcomes.

Stage 6: Years 11 to 12

Our senior students have access to all Preliminary and HSC Mathematics courses including Mathematics General, Mathematics, Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Extension 2. These courses develop the necessary skills for future success in all post school options including tertiary study in mathematics, health and physical science, commerce and engineering.