Welcome to an exciting new year of learning in the Mathematics Department! Our dedicated team of teachers— Ms Sumé Mac Donald, Mr Harry Monteith, Mrs Tabbetha Sadler, Mr Rod Air, and myself—are thrilled to be working with our students again and guiding them on their mathematical journey. We have a fantastic year ahead, filled with problem-solving, real-world applications, and skill-building to help students excel in their studies.
What has been happening in Term 1:
Year 7 – Building Strong Foundations
Our Year 7 students have hit the ground running as they prepare for NAPLAN. They have been sharpening their skills in integers and sat a non-calculator exam to test their understanding. Coming up, they will be diving into statistics and probability, where they’ll complete an engaging in-class task to develop their ability to analyse data, identify patterns, and make predictions. These are crucial skills that will set them up for success in mathematics and beyond.
Year 8 – Exploring New Mathematical Concepts
It has been a busy and exciting term for Year 8 students as they consolidate their knowledge of integers, fractions, and decimals—key building blocks for future success. They have also been introduced to the fascinating world of 3D coordinate geometry, where they learned how to navigate and visualise objects in three-dimensional space. In the second half of the term, they have been developing a deeper understanding of percentages and their real-life applications, from shopping discounts to financial literacy. They have already completed an online exam and will be sitting a paper-based assessment at the end of term to showcase their progress.
Year 9 – Applying Mathematics to the Real World
Year 9 students are taking on the challenge of trigonometry, discovering how it plays a vital role in everyday life—whether it is used in architecture, navigation, or even engineering! They are also strengthening their knowledge of measurement, refining their ability to calculate areas, volumes, and more. With NAPLAN coming up, they are developing essential problem-solving skills to ensure they are confident and well-prepared.
Year 10 – Laying the Groundwork for Senior Studies
Our Year 10 students have been hard at work exploring key mathematical concepts. Extension students have been diving into advanced topics such as networks, indices, logarithms, and exponential equations—essential preparation for Year 11 Mathematical Methods. Meanwhile, other Year 10 Maths classes have been focusing on indices and the fascinating concepts of growth and decay, which have practical applications in areas such as science, economics, and environmental studies. In the coming weeks, all students will receive an assignment on statistics, giving them a chance to apply their skills in analysing real-world data.
Year 11 & 12 – Preparing for the Future
Our senior students have started the year strong, completing their first internal assessment—a challenging yet rewarding task focused on real-world problem-solving and mathematical modelling. As they progress through Term 1, they will be preparing for their first full unit exam, which will test their ability to think critically, apply mathematical principles, and communicate their reasoning effectively.
Success in Year 11 and 12 requires dedication and self-motivation, and we encourage all students to take responsibility for their learning. This means making the most of class time, seeking help when needed, and setting aside regular study time at home to complete assignments and revise for exams. By developing strong study habits now, they will set themselves up for success in their final years of school and beyond.
Looking Ahead
Mathematics is more than just numbers—it’s a way of thinking, problem-solving, and making sense of the world. This term, we are excited to see students challenge themselves, embrace new concepts, and grow in confidence. Whether they are mastering foundational skills, tackling advanced topics, or applying mathematics to real-world situations, we are proud of the effort and enthusiasm they bring to the classroom.
We look forward to an amazing year ahead and can’t wait to see what our students achieve!
News from Maths Classes:
Year 9 Essential Maths – Ms Mac Donald
This term, our Year 9 Essential Maths students have been diving into the world of Measurement, focusing on calculating the area of different shapes. They have been learning to identify individual shapes within composite figures and apply their knowledge to determine total areas accurately.
To bring these concepts to life, students participated in a hands-on activity where they cut out various shapes, calculated the area of each one, and combined their findings to determine the total area of a composite shape. This interactive approach allowed students to see the practical applications of their learning while reinforcing key mathematical skills.
It has been fantastic to see students engaged in problem-solving and developing their confidence in working with measurement.
Year 9 Extension Maths – Mr Monteith
In Year 9 Extension Mathematics, students developed their numeracy skills through various exercises and activities. Recently, their focus has shifted to preparing for the upcoming online CambridgeGO examination. Many students have found peer collaboration to be a valuable revision strategy, as discussing concepts and approaches has reinforced their understanding of key topics covered this term. It has been encouraging to see them actively supporting each other in their learning.
– Mrs McKendrick