The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
By studying mathematics, students learn to work mathematically – developing fluency, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning and communication skills.
The syllabus consists of the following strands:
- number and algebra
- measurement and geometry
- statistics and probability.
In Year 11 and 12, the study of mathematics is optional. Courses offered include:
- Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Advanced
- Mathematics Standard 2
- Mathematics Standard 1 (Optional HSC examination)
- Mathematics Life Skills.
Mathematics Acceleration Program (MAP)
Rose Bay Secondary College has trialled a Mathematics Acceleration Program (MAP) and successfully seen students from the Year 9 cohort complete Stage 5, Year 9 and 10 content, within the single year. This means that when they enter Year 10, they would have already completed all the year 10 course work and will begin the Year 11 Mathematics Advanced and Extension 1 course. Due to the success of the trial program in 2022, RBSC's MAP will again be offered in 2023 to students commencing their Year 9 studies.
Acceleration is based on the principle of compression of work, not omission of work. Students who accelerate must achieve the required outcomes of the courses, but in a shorter time frame. Students must be prepared to work diligently during their Mathematics lessons, complete homework on a regular basis and in some instances, complete holiday homework.
Participation in MAP is through invitation only to students completing Year 8, where the Mathematics Department will gather student data including previous NAPLAN tests, Best Start data, all previous in-school Assessment Tasks from Year 7 and 8 and an Overall Mathematics Knowledge Exam sat in Term 4. Based on this data, and in consultation with students’ Year 7 and 8 mathematics classroom teachers, a judgement will be made regarding suitable candidates for the program.
Accelerated students must be self-motivated and independent workers, have a mature work ethic and the ability to manage a high workload. Students must be prepared to ask for help from their teacher as required.
The schedule will run as follows:
Year 8 – Overall Mathematics Knowledge Exam to be sat in Term 4. Successful candidates will be invited to take part in the MAP.
Year 9 – Completion of the Year 9 and 10, 5.3 Mathematics course.
Year 10 – Completion of Year 11 Advanced and Extension 1 courses. This may require students to take part in before and/or after school classes.
Year 11 – Completion of Year 12 Advanced and Extension 1 courses. Students will sit their Advanced and Extension 1 Mathematics HSC Exams. Following the HSC Examinations, students must attempt the first Year 12 Assessment Task in Term 4 of Year 11 for both the Mathematics Advanced and Mathematics Extension 1 courses. This is to ensure that should a student elect to repeat either or both courses in Year 12, they have completed all HSC course assessment tasks. (Note: HSC courses commence in Term 4 and HSC results are not issued until after the end of the academic year, usually in mid-December).
Year 12 – Accelerated students have several choices when they are in Year 12. These choices should be made in consultation with the Career’s Advisor, the classroom teacher, and the Head Teacher of Mathematics. The options are as follows:
- Accept HSC results and do not enrol in Mathematics in Year 12. This is one of the main aims of acceleration. If a student considers that they will need to repeat, they should NOT accelerate in Mathematics.
- Accept HSC results and progress to completing the Mathematics Extension 2 course. This course work would begin in Term 4, of Year 11. This is another main aim of acceleration; to give students the requisite skills to successfully complete the Mathematics Extension 2 course.
- Attempt Mathematics Extension 2 and repeat Mathematics Extension 1.
- Accept Mathematics Advanced HSC result and repeat Mathematics Extension 1 course only. Students must also repeat Mathematics Advanced coursework, but not take the HSC examinations.
- Accept Mathematics Extension 1 HSC result and repeat Mathematics Advanced course.
The College may, at any time, withdraw an invitation to be part of the MAP through a student’s demonstrated lack of application and/or consistently poor performance. A student and/or their parents may elect to discontinue participation in the program at any time. This would mean the student will revert to the appropriate course and class within their academic cohort.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please do not hesitate to contact Lauren Broit, Relieving Head Teacher of Mathematics, for more information.