Mathematics
Overview
Learning mathematics creates opportunities and provides life skills. The Maths program at South Oakleigh College follows the mandated guidelines of the Victorian Curriculum and provides students with essential mathematical skills and knowledge in Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. It develops the numeracy capabilities that all students need in their personal and work life and provides the fundamentals on which mathematical specialties and professional applications of mathematics are built.
All Mathematics units seek to develop students’ strategies, competence, confidence and ability in numeracy to further their understanding and application of mathematical concepts in real-world situations from Year 7 to Year 10.
Mathematics aims to instil an appreciation of the elegance and power of mathematical reasoning. Digital technologies are facilitating this expansion of ideas and providing access to new tools for continuing mathematical exploration and invention. These capabilities enable students to use mathematical strategies to make informed decisions and solve problems efficiently.
To this end, the CAS graphing calculator is introduced to students from Year 7 to gain skills and confidence before they purchase their own CAS calculator at Year 10.
Aims
Mathematics aims to:
- Increase student confidence and creativity to apply mathematical reasoning to make evidence-based decisions.
- Apply and link mathematics to many aspects of life.
- Provide and support analytical thought and strategies to solve familiar and unfamiliar situations.
Course Structure
At Year 7 – 10 the Victorian Curriculum Mathematics course is followed, where students develop skills in number, algebra, measurement, geometry, probability and statistics. Students develop mathematical problem-solving skills, investigate mathematical relationships and learn to use technology, manipulate data and visualise problems.
For more information about the Content structure, please use the following link:
https://victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au/mathematics/introduction/structure
At VCE, Units 1 & 2 General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods (CAS), Units 1 & 2 Foundation Maths and Units 3 & 4 Further Mathematics, Mathematical Methods (CAS) are offered.
| Year Level | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | Mathematics Core |
| Year 8 | Mathematics Core |
| Year 9 | Mathematics Core |
| Year 10 | Mathematics Standard, Maths Methods Preliminary |
| Year 11 | Maths Methods, General Maths, Foundation Maths |
| Year 12 | Maths Methods, Further Maths, Specialist Maths |
Enrichment Activities & Competitions
Maths Extension Challenge Classes- High achieving students learn skills that are then applied to a major collaborative project. They use creative problem-solving strategies and lateral thinking skills.
ICAS UNSW Competition – To further challenge students, participation in the prestigious annual University of NSW Mathematics Competition is strongly encouraged for students from Year 7 to 12.