Mathematics

Year 7 Mathematics

Mathematics is a mandatory course that is studied substantially in each of Years 7–10 with at least 400 hours to be completed by the end of Year 10. This is a requirement for eligibility for the award of the School Certificate.

Mathematics is used to identify, describe and apply patterns and relationships. It provides a precise means of communication and is a powerful tool for solving problems both within and beyond mathematics. In addition to its practical applications, the study of mathematics is a valuable pursuit in its own right, providing opportunities for originality, challenge and leisure.

The aim of Mathematics in K–10 is to develop students' mathematical thinking, understanding, competence and confidence in the application of mathematics, their creativity, enjoyment and appreciation of the subject, and their engagement in lifelong learning.

Topics

Students study Number, Patterns and Algebra, Data, Measurement, Space and Geometry. Within each of these strands they will cover a range of topics including:

Outcomes

Student progress is assessed against the following outcomes in Year 7, including:-

·       understands place value and evaluates expressions using order of operations;

·       displays ability in applying the four operations involving decimals / directed numbers and fractions;

·       demonstrates problem solving skills using appropriate strategies;

·       shows the ability to name and differentiate between types of angles, shapes and solids;

·       uses letters to represent numbers and translates between words and algebraic symbols;

·       demonstrates an understanding of number theory, including odd, even, square, triangular and palindromic numbers, and Fibonnaci numbers;

·       understands different units of length and time.

Assessment

Bonnyrigg High School strives to provide meaningful assessment and reporting on student progress which is both comprehensive and constructive.

Students will be formally assessed four times throughout the year. They will do two assessment tasks alongside Half-Yearly and Yearly Examinations.

Reports are written twice a year. A Parent Teacher Night is available in the middle of the year to discuss student progress.

Homework is documented in  student diaries. These diaries can be used as a valuable communication device between parents and teachers.

Year 7 Mathematics - GATS

Students will be pretested to establish their ability in Mathematics as they enter Year 7.

A series of graded worksheets and topic tests will be used to differentiate the student's abilities.

Each topic will have more detailed extension work and exercises to further challenge students.

Student who progress through the course at a rapid rate will given the opportunity to commence the next course as soon as practical.

Acceleration is an option for very talented mathematicians.