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.
The Mathematics faculty at Blakehurst High School is a professional and motivated team that bring a vast array of experience and creativity to the classroom.
In class, our teachers adopt a focused and analytical approach to learning that is thought-provoking and engaging.
Our supportive staff offer remedial and developmental programs that aim to consolidate, develop, and enhance students' knowledge and understanding of topics presented in class.
Staff members
The Mathematics faculty comprises the following staff:
Mr R Dahouk (R/Head Teacher)
Mrs K Blair
Ms S Vertsonis (2 IC)
Mr Karabatsos
Mr R Zhou
Mrs M Poulos
Mr S Reeve
Mr T Yan
Ms S El Hage
Australian Maths Trust conducts mathematics competitions and mathematics enrichment activities. The school participates in the Australian mathematics competitions that the trust periodically runs.
Development: The staff regularly coordinate excursions for students to events such as industry seminars and university open days. We actively promote the use of mathematics in the workforce and its importance in day-to-day activities.
Moodle site: an educational project that facilitates the use of resources, mathematical forms and documents, class discussions, homework and assignments, and much more, in a collaborative framework using web technologies which is constantly evolving.
Associations:
Our Mathematics teachers are part of a network of teachers in the Sydney region that collaborate to share ideas, principles, and strategies relating to mathematical pedagogy and how to best implement it.
To help facilitate this, our staff is affiliated with the following institutions through membership and/or professional development.
The Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (AAMT)
Mathematical Association of NSW (MANSW)
Australian College of Educators (ACE)
We also regularly participate in school-based professional learning for both mathematics-specific content and the wider teaching and learning experience.
Student Programs
Mathematics Standard
Mathematics Advanced
Mathematics Extension 1 and Extension 2
Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8)
Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10)
Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12)
Student programs
Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8)
Our programs in Year 7 and 8, focus on stage 4 of the syllabus (Australian Curriculum, NSW edition) and include the strands
Number and algebra
Measurement and geometry
Statistics and probability.
All of Years 7 and 8 follow the same pattern of study and will have one common assessment task each term. Year 7 students will have one of their tasks as a take-home assignment.
Within each year group, however, we have the opportunity to provide additional content to those students progressing above expectations. This is also the case for students who may be having difficulty with some topics, the content will be adjusted to ensure that they are starting to progress in understanding new concepts.
Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10)
Our programs in Year 9 and 10 are divided into 2 levels of the stage 5 syllabus. These are:
Mathematics Core Standard Pathway
Mathematics Core Advanced/Extension Pathway
Each course follows the Australian Curriculum, (NSW edition) and include the strands
Number and algebra
Measurement and geometry
Statistics and probability.
Year 9 (from 2024) and Year 10 (from 2025) Mathematics Core Standard Pathway. This course is tailored to students who will be choosing Mathematics Standard 1 or 2 in Year 11.
Year 9 (from 2024) and 10 (from 2025) Mathematics Core Advanced/Extension Pathway. This course is tailored to students who will be choosing Mathematics Advanced/Extension in Year 11.
Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12)
Our programs in Years 11 and 12 contain outcomes of the stage 6 syllabus for different levels studied. Students can choose from Mathematics Standard 1 or 2, Mathematics Advanced or Extension 1 Mathematics in Year 11. Note that students who chose either Mathematics Standard 1 or 2 will be enrolled in the Mathematics Standard course. Students who wish to choose Mathematics Standard 1 in Year 12 will be placed in the Standard 1 class in Year 11.
Mathematics Standard 1 and 2
Students studying Mathematics Standard 1 may choose to “opt out” of the HSC Examination if they are planning on a Non-ATAR Pathway. If students want to count Mathematics Standard 1 towards an ATAR, they will need to sit for the HSC Examination.
In Year 12 a student studying Mathematics Extension 1 can then choose to further their study by being accepted into Mathematics Extension 2- to do this they need to maintain an 80% average in Mathematics Extension 1 in Year 11.
The Mathematics Standard courses continue to provide a sound basis for jobs in the workforce or for technical and further education courses. University courses in the areas of business, social sciences and nursing mostly require the study of mathematics. Students are advised to check with tertiary institutes before making subject selections.
Mathematics Advanced
The mathematics course provides a foundation for studies in science and commerce. Some universities require mathematics as a prerequisite to tertiary study. Students are strongly advised to check with tertiary institutes before making subject selections and they should choose the level of Mathematics required for their desired course, not the level that will maximise their ATAR.
Strands of the Stage 6 mathematics course include:
Algebra
Trigonometry
Geometry
Functions
Probability
Calculus
Series and series application.
Mathematics Extension 1 and Extension 2
These courses are designed for students who require a comprehensive understanding of mathematics at a tertiary level. Tertiary study, for example, engineering, physics, or computer engineering may require this level of mathematics.
Assessment, consistency and moderation
Our mathematics department uses the method of assessment, consistency, and moderation to assess students, as outlined by the Department of Education and Communities.
Assessment allows us to identify, collect and analyse information about students' learning. It provides information on student achievement and progress and allows teachers to direct the teaching and learning of students. Assessment activities can be both formal and informal.
Consistency in assessment enables us as teachers to make judgments about student learning that are not dependent on the individual teacher, student, location or time and are based on a shared understanding of syllabus standards of learning.
Teachers establish a structured process where meetings occur to discuss the teaching, learning, and assessment process in order to maintain and enhance consistency.
Moderation is a process where teachers compare judgments to either confirm or adjust them.
This involves close collaboration to establish a shared understanding of what achievement of syllabus standards looks like and whether or not the student has demonstrated achievement of the syllabus standard. Teachers work towards making judgments that are consistent and comparable.
Faculty Guidelines
Fees and costs
Students are required to provide their own stationery (see the material list below) and other material as advised by their teacher. Students from years 7 to 10 are required to pay a $16 Maths Online fee in order to be enrolled in the program. In some courses, students will be required to purchase their own textbooks. Further information will be provided by the subject teacher. Mathematics excursions and competitions may be held from time to time and fees are payable to attend/participate.
Materials
Students are encouraged to bring to each lesson the following:
textbook
exercise /grid book (class workbook)
scientific calculator (NESA approved)
geometry sets
ruler
glue
scissors
general stationery (black pen, red pen & pencil).
Competitions
Blakehurst High School has consistently participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition. Students in the "top" class in each year group are expected to participate in this competition and all other students are also encouraged to participate.
Students entering this competition frequently achieve excellent results and the experience gained from participating in this challenging competition is immeasurable.
Students in our two HPGE classes 7B and 7K are expected to all do the competition.
Effective study tips
To effectively develop their ability and hone their skills in mathematics, students are encouraged to "do" the maths and not simply "read" it.
In order to learn effectively students must abide by the teachers' classroom rules.
Students are encouraged to compile a brief summary of important facts and formulas that may be used in a topic.
Each evening, students are expected to review the work from that day's lesson and make summary notes from that lesson in a journal or digest.
Students are encouraged to complete all set classwork and homework and check their answers referenced on the solution page in their textbook. This helps to consolidate their understanding.
When preparing for assessment tasks students are encouraged to "do" a wide range of problems from a variety of sources, in particular, problems from earlier topics that students tend to forget. Textbook work and class notes are a great start but students should be completing supplementary work such as worksheets, assignments, study guides, topic reviews, and past examination papers.