Mathematics

Mathematics is the study of order, relation and pattern. From its origins in counting and measuring it has evolved in highly sophisticated and elegant ways to become the language now used to describe many aspects of the world in the twenty-first century.

Mathematics is a core subject for Years 7 to 12 with some electives in Years 11 and 12.

Tutorials

Tutorials (and Mathematics teachers) are available throughout the year for students from all year levels.

Tuesday/Wednesday from 2:45–4:00pm in room MTE1.

Subjects offered

The Senior Subject Book (PDF, 4.1MB) provides information on subjects offered in Year 11 and 12 for 2020, and describes the required prerequisites.

The Year 9 and 10 Subject Book (PDF, 3.5MB) provides information on subjects offered in Year 9 and 10.

Curriculum

Activities and competitions

Students are offered the opportunity to participate in the following activities / competitions:

• JCU MEOW (Maths Enhances Our World) – Year 8 students invited to apply.
• QUT STEM Camp – high achieving Year 11 Maths/Science students invited to apply.
• IAES – Indigenous Australian Engineering School – Indigenous students in Years 10, 11 and 12 interested in Engineering as a career are invited to apply.
• Australian Mathematics Competition – offered to students achieving at an A level in Semester 1.
• Year 7 and 8 Mathematics Quiz – held during Term 3.

More information can be found in school newsletters.

Why study mathematics?

Learning mathematics creates opportunities for and enriches the lives of all Australians. The Australian Curriculum: Mathematics provides students with essential mathematical skills and knowledge in number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability. It develops the numeracy capabilities that all students need in their personal, work and civic life, and provides the fundamentals on which mathematical specialties and professional applications of mathematics are built.

Mathematics has its own value and beauty and the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics aims to instil in students an appreciation of the elegance and power of mathematical reasoning. Mathematical ideas have evolved across all cultures over thousands of years, and are constantly developing. Digital technologies are facilitating this expansion of ideas and providing access to new tools for continuing mathematical exploration and invention. The curriculum focuses on developing increasingly sophisticated and refined mathematical understanding, fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. These proficiencies enable students to respond to familiar and unfamiliar situations by employing mathematical strategies to make informed decisions and solve problems efficiently.

The Australian Curriculum: Mathematics ensures that the links between the various components of mathematics, as well as the relationship between mathematics and other disciplines, are made clear. Mathematics is composed of multiple but interrelated and interdependent concepts and systems which students apply beyond the mathematics classroom. In science, for example, understanding sources of error and their impact on the confidence of conclusions is vital, as is the use of mathematical models in other disciplines. In geography, interpretation of data underpins the study of human populations and their physical environments; in history, students need to be able to imagine timelines and time frames to reconcile related events; and in English, deriving quantitative and spatial information is an important aspect of making meaning of texts.

The curriculum anticipates that schools will ensure all students benefit from access to the power of mathematical reasoning and learn to apply their mathematical understanding creatively and efficiently. The Mathematics curriculum provides students with carefully paced, in-depth study of critical skills and concepts. It encourages teachers to help students become self-motivated, confident learners through inquiry and active participation in challenging and engaging experiences.

Contact details

Contact details for the Heads of Departments are listed under the contact us page.