HomeAbout UsfaithmentFaith & ValuesCurriculumCo-CurricularFacultiesStudentsAssociations
             
 

Home

  

 


 

  
Blackfriars LinksBlackfriars Employment Opportunities
  Art & Design Drama English Information Technology Languages Mathematics Music Physical Education Religion Science Social Sciences Adaptive Education  

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics is an integral part of the world we live in and its delivery, particularly in the last 10 years or so, has gone through considerable change.

At Blackfriars, students engage in Mathematics in various ways including,
activity-based (hands-on); computer and graphics calculator-based; and teacher directed lessons.  This approach ensures each concept is taught in the most appropriate manner, while maintaining student interest and maximising the level of comprehension. The activity-based lessons allow students to investigate and learn Mathematics for themselves. By following a set of instructions and using their own initiative, they are guided through an investigation which enables them to discover and then report on their findings.

 

Computer and graphics calculator-based lessons offer the opportunity to use powerful tools, thus developing an increased understanding of concepts and maintaining a high level of interest.

This, together with the more traditional tools, provides a more diverse approach and gives students a much wider opportunity to develop their reasoning, understanding and retention of concepts.

  
junior secondary mathematics

At Year 7 & 8, due to the academic maturity level of students of this age, coupled with the variety of backgrounds our intake has, the Mathematics classes are of mixed ability.

However, in Year 9 we have a level system.

  • Level 1 – for those students who have consistently shown exceptional ability through Year 8

  • Level 2 – for those students with a satisfactory grasp of the Year 8 curriculum.

  • Foundation Mathematics - for those students in need of more individual, small group assistance and support.

A small number of students from Year 7 to 9 with more specialised needs are  catered for by our Adaptive Education staff.

senior secondary mathematics

By Year 10 a three level system exists, where Level 3 is especially designed to introduce students to course work aimed at building their confidence in using Mathematics to solve problems they may encounter in their daily lives.

Students at Years 11 and 12 who have met school prerequisites, as outlined in the Years 10-12 Curriculum Handbook, may choose from:

  • Specialist Mathematics

  • Mathematical Studies

  • Mathematical Methods

  • Mathematical Applications

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

The Mathematics Curriculum is further enhanced by offering students activities and competitions outside of the classroom such as:

  • the Year 7, 8 and 9 problem solving groups, which meet once a week and are challenged by some very difficult concepts requiring astute mathematical skills.

  • a Mathematics workshop evening organised by Mr. Duro Dobrijevic

  • the running of the South Australian Schools Mathematics Competition (SASMC)

  • the Mathematics International Competitions and Assessment for Schools (ICAS)

  • the Junior, Intermediate and Senior 3-day Mathematics Enrichment Workshops

  • the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)

By the end of a student’s mathematical education at Blackfriars he should be able to:

  • describe situations using mathematical concepts

  • make informed decisions from the use of mathematical concepts

  • measure and quantify

  • model real-life situations using mathematical concepts and use these models to solve problems

  • use computers and/or graphics calculators as an aid to solve problems

  • use mathematics to acquire and communicate ideas


DOMENIC CATALANO
Head of Mathematics
(E-mail address: dcatalano@bps.sa.edu.au)

 

  
     

Home | About Us | Enrolment | Faith & Values | Curriculum
Co-Curricular | Faculties | Students| Associations

© 2005 Blackfriars Priory School  || CRICOS Provider No 02485B