Year 7

Starting at high school is overwhelming. Students are not just contending with an increased workload, they are also expected to be organised for every subject, every day. Being organised may be a challenge initially for your young person, however this will be significant focus this year. Being organised in Math means:

• All required equipment and books are brought for each lesson.
• Homework is completed on time.
• Assessment drafts and finals are submitted by the due dates and exam revision is completed.

Extra Support

We have had some recent requests for recommendations for math tutoring. Our advice is to utilise the Thursday afternoon homework club held in the IDT building. Whether it be for help with homework, assessment or general content teachers will be available to help your child.

Calculators

A note about calculators.  Students are expected to have their own scientific calculator for all Maths lessons.  Casio is the preferred model (see image below) at PBC, but any scientific calculator is acceptable.  Please make sure that your son or daughter is prepared for every Maths lesson by bringing a calculator to school every day. Thank you for your support with this.

Riddle Time

Year 10 Mathematics

Year 10 is a challenge for many students, particularly in maths as students often begin to find their limits and need to start building strong homework/study and revision habits. This enables them to start to activate their long term memory of the wider ranging skills required to continue to succeed. Students can no longer rely on the mantra “If I understand the concept then I’ll be fine on the test”.

Success in Maths this year is important for setting up future pathways. Courses students could be completing are designed to cater for all levels:

10 Foundational Maths          

This is the students who require extra support in Maths. It is not for students who wish to study Essential Maths in the future. Placement in this course is by invitation only and places are limited.

10 Mathematics                       

The course where we cater for students that could be studying Essential or General Maths in the future, teachers will take special care to ensure that differentiation occurs and students are aware what content and question level they should be engaging with. Assessment is designed so that it caters for all levels and gives everyone an opportunity to pass. 

10 Extension Mathematics    

A course that extends students and caters for students wishing to study Mathematical Methods or Specialist Maths in the future but also has found to be a great benefit for students exceling in General maths due to the effective study habits learnt.

10 Specialist Mathematics     

An elective specifically designed to prepare students for wishing to study Specialist Maths in the future.

Students’ pathways in Maths are largely determined by results by the end of Semester 1. Year 11 and 12 course requirements are below