“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” – Sir Isaac Newton
Mathematics and Statistics is a fundamental component of the New Zealand Curriculum. By studying its principles, students gain the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary for future success. Studying Mathematics helps students recognise patterns and create models, enabling them to make sense of scientific, environmental and economic phenomena.
It is our aim to equip our students with the Mathematical skills necessary to make the most of their future. We do our best to ensure that students develop an appreciation of the beauty and order that Mathematics brings to our World as well as gaining the skills to succeed in whatever future path they choose.
Our Maths programmes are based on and complement the NZ Curriculum and the requirements of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. There is a strong emphasis on the development of mathematical models and problem-solving because, in essence, this is what Mathematics encompasses.
In the Junior School, our students work between Levels 3 and 6 of the New Zealand Curriculum covering all of the main topics: Number, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, Trigonometry, Probability and Statistics. Students are encouraged to develop their skills and vocabularies in a way that prepares them for the lateral, abstract and theme specific nature of NCEA assessment. In Year 10 students will be given the opportunity to sit up to two standards, that will contribute towards their NCEA Level 1 certificate.
Mathematics is compulsory up to and including successful completion of NCEA Level 1 as 10 Numeracy credits are required for the award of a Level 1 qualification.
At NCEA Levels 2 and 3 Mathematics is optional. However, demonstrating success in Mathematics is mandatory for many jobs and a pre-requisite for many competitive entry University courses.
Senior Courses
L1 MACC (Maths Accelerate)
This course is for students who enjoy and excel in Mathematics and who have made excellent progress in the junior school. Entry to this course is by recommendation of the subject teacher. The course involves both internal and external assessment. Successful completion of this course is mandatory for entry into L2 MACC and possession of a graphical calculator is highly recommended for this course.
L1 MATH (Maths)
This course is for all students in Year 11 and will give students the opportunity to gain the Numeracy requirements of the Level 1 certificate. The course will include a variety of internally assessed standards and one externally assessed standard. Successful completion of this course is mandatory for entry into L2 MATH and possession of a scientific calculator is essential for this course.
L2MACC (Maths Accelerate)
This course is for students who enjoy and excel in Mathematics. Students will have performed well in the Level 1 course MACC and success at a Merit level in the externally assessed Level 1 standards is mandatory. The course involves a balance of internally and externally assessed standards. Successful completion of this course is necessary for entry into Level 3 Calculus and possession of a graphical calculator is essential for this course.
L2MATH (Maths)
This course is for students who have performed well in the Level 1 course MATH. The course will include a variety of internally assessed standards and one externally assessed standard. Successful completion of this course is mandatory for entry into L3 Statistics and possession of a graphical calculator is highly recommended for this course.
L3 MACC (Calculus)
This course is for students who have performed well in the Level 2 course MACC. They will possess very well-developed skills in Algebra and Calculus and success at a Merit level in the externally assessed Level 2 standards is mandatory. Course assessment is predominantly through externally assessed standards. Possession of a graphical calculator is essential for this course and entry is at the discretion of the Head of Mathematics.
L3 MATS (Statistics)
This course is for students who have performed well in the Level 2 course MATH. The course will include a variety of internally assessed standards and one externally assessed standard. We high recommend the possession of a graphical calculator for this course. Entry is at the discretion of HOD. It is possible for students to elect to take both L3 Calculus and L3 Statistics.
Scholarship
Students who have the knowledge and commitment to take their Mathematics to the highest level possible at school are invited to undertake Calculus, Statistics or both at scholarship level and will receive the support they need to succeed.
Other activities
Mathshelp
Our department runs a Maths Help Clinic on a Thursday afternoon from 3:15 to 4:30 for help with homework or classwork.
Competitions
During the school year, students will have the opportunity to participate in Mathematics competitions.
Sue Higgins