Maths

Here at Toolooa SHS we believe mathematics has the power to shape the future of a society. It is the basis of many activities related to everyday living — from shopping to advances in space travel. Mathematics assists us to develop strategies for managing time and money, interpreting data, estimating and taking measurements, giving and following directions, making calculations and determining the probabilities of events.

Middle School

The Years 1 to 10 Mathematics Syllabus is organised into five sections known as strands:

• Number
• Patterns and Algebra
• Measurement
• Chance and Data
• Space

Typically, mathematicians use these strands together. For example, when working out how much .flooring will be needed for a housing design, a builder or architect will use understandings about number, space and measurement. When designing a product, an entrepreneur might analyse data from the marketplace and use understandings about number to inform decisions related to its manufacture. When teaching mathematics, teachers encourage students to see connections and relationships between the strands. These can be introduced through real-life or purely mathematical investigations.

Senior School

2006 will see Toolooa replace the outdated Consumer Mathematics course with a new look and more relevant subject - Prevocational Maths. This is a non OP. eligible subject and is designed for students who struggled with mathematics in junior.

As mathematics is an integral part of everyday life, this subject has been developed to provide students with a relevant and practical mathematical basis for life after school. A student's grasp of mathematical concepts, proficiency in basic skills and ability to apply these to various life-related contexts is important for successful performance in vocational as well as leisure pursuits.

The core units deal with the mathematical areas which students need to understand in their lives. Through a study of these units and options, students are offered many opportunities for developing communication skills, practising mathematical techniques and employing these in real or simulated applications

Mathematics A covers a broad range of mathematical topics designed to give those who study it the skills needed to make mathematical decisions in their everyday life. From personal finances to problem solving, Mathematics A provides the mathematical ground work for students to use no matter what future direction they take after their schooling ends.

Toolooa SHS has continued to develop a strong in-depth Mathematics A program over many years. Mathematics A, students will enjoy a more practical, life related approach to mathematics as well as a variety of assessment techniques that move away from purely traditional exam-based assessment.

Mathematics B covers a broad range of mathematical topics designed to develop the advanced skills which are needed not only in the traditional careers of engineering or the physical sciences, but also as tools in fields as diverse as agriculture, food technology, geography, biology, economics and management. The modes of thinking developed in Mathematics B provide ways of modelling situations in order to explore, describe and understand the world’s social, biological and physical environment.

Toolooa SHS has continued to develop a strong in-depth Mathematics B program over many years. Mathematics B, students will enjoy a systematic progression through various areas of higher order mathematics as well as a variety of assessment techniques that move away from purely traditional exam-based assessment.

In Mathematics C Students are given the opportunity to develop their full mathematical potential and extend the knowledge acquired in Mathematics B. Students will have opportunities to experience the power of mathematics through problem solving and applications in life-related situations. Mathematics C is desirable preparation for students who intend on pursuing a career involving the study of mathematics at a tertiary level. Some university courses reward achievement in Mathematics C with exemption from the corresponding 1st year subject.

Toolooa SHS has continued to develop a strong in-depth Mathematics C program over many years. Mathematics C students will enjoy a systematic progression through various areas of higher order mathematics as well as a variety of assessment techniques that move away from purely traditional exam-based assessment.