MATHEMATICS NEWS

 

“If it is to be, it is up to me” 

 

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new students in particular Year 7. As always our staffroom door is open if students need any assistance at recess or lunch. 

 

STAFFING

The mathematics staff in 2009 will comprise of Miss Rogers, Mrs. Clarke (M,W,Th,F), Mrs. Cutcliffe (T), Mr Jones (T,W,Th), Mrs Turnell, Mrs Carpenter and Mr Bates (Head Teacher).  Mr Maclean and Mr Smith, our two deputies, will also be teaching mathematics this year and Mr. Hibbert will be teaching some classes of mathematics along with science this year. Any student who is experiencing difficulty with mathematical concepts or homework should come to the mathematics staffroom at any lunch or recess and ask for assistance from any of our teachers.

 

NUMERACY

Numeracy is now a focal point of many schools with a National Educational agenda to improve numeracy and literacy standards across the country being a priority.  At Endeavour Sports High School we have included a numeracy class as part of our curriculum structure in years 7 and 8 which is delivered by our deputy principals who are both mathematics teachers.  The purpose of this is to enhance the numeracy levels of all of our students and improve their mathematics results among other subjects where numeracy is required.

NAPLAN testing, which is a National Numeracy test, has replaced the SNAP testing that was a NSWDET initiative and is a powerful tool to assist teachers and students identify their strengths and weaknesses. 

 

MATHELETICS

Matheletics is an exciting software program that has been developed over the past five years or so which the school has recently embarked upon. To purchase this product individually it would cost $99 per student for the year. We purchased the product on behalf of each and every student in the school through a sponsorship from NINE MSN and Government schools at a cost of $8.00 per student for 2009.  This program is accessed through the internet and is available 24/7.  The program works through questions based on the NSW Board of Studies Syllabuses and allows students to work to their own level of understanding. It gives step by step instructions on how to solve problems and answer the questions it poses. The data has shown student retention rates improve by up to 30% by using this means. It will form an integral component of the mathematics curriculum and programming for 2009.  Students will have access to it at school and from any computer which is connected to the internet.

 

 

TEXTBOOKS

We have purchased a number of new textbooks in recent times to replace textbooks that needed renewing or textbooks that haven’t been returned and have left us short. Most of our textbooks now come with an optional CD to use at home so that textbooks may be left at school to save carting them to and from home each day.  This will enable students to ensure they have their textbooks each day in class.  It must be noted that textbooks once issued are the sole responsibility of the student they have been issued to and any loss or damage will result in a fee to replace the textbook. If you have a textbook at home from any year, it may even be a brother’s or sister’s from previous years, please return it to the mathematics staff room.

 

COUNTING ON PROGRAM

The ‘Counting On’ Program is designed to support students who are experiencing difficulty in achieving mathematical outcomes in line with their stage and the rest of the state.  Initially students are interviewed and assessed to determine their range in capabilities when solving certain tasks.  This assessment takes around 15 minutes to conduct with each individual student.

‘Counting On’ has been adopted into the teaching and learning strategies of mathematics staff at Endeavour Sports HS since 2002 and in 2009 is incorporated into two year 7 classes with a continuance of strategies through other years as students progress towards their School Certificate.

‘Counting On’ strategies are designed to assist students primarily with place value and multiplication and division skills and develop a rich understanding of our number system. As the teaching approach is largely problem based, students are routinely engaged in applying ‘Counting On’ strategies to solve challenging arithmetical problems.

Past findings have found the benefits to the students involved in ‘Counting On’ have displayed a development in self-esteem, and renewed confidence and enthusiasm in mathematics as well as an increase in quantitative results.

 

 

PROGRAMS

Year 11 students are starting with their selected Mathematics course. Students will be continually, informally assessed to help verify that students have selected the course which will enable them to achieve the best possible HSC result. If they are having difficulties it is important that they seek help immediately so the problem does not grow. If they feel they have selected the wrong course please see Mr Bates in the Mathematics staffroom as soon as possible. This is the last year group that will sit the HSC in what has been known as the 2unit course as it has undergone some changes in preparation for the new national curriculum. This calculus based syllabus is the oldest syllabus in Australia and has been the same for 28 years.

 

Year 12 students begin their final year at Endeavour Sports High School. Good luck to all HSC candidates with their preparation and study for the exams ahead.

 

 

HOMEWORK

All students at Endeavour Sports High School receive regular homework in Mathematics. If a particular student fails to complete their homework on three occasions or more in a term, parents will be notified by their teacher. If you have any questions regarding your child’s progress please feel free to contact the Mathematics faculty to speak to their teacher or myself.

 

BOOKWORK

Bookwork will be a focus of the mathematics staff and indeed the entire school at ESHS in 2009.  There is strong evidence and data to link positive results and academic achievement to a well set out and organized set of notes.  It will be policy in mathematics in 2009 to set some assessment tasks as ‘open book’ tests where students will be permitted to take their exercise books into exams with them. A well set out organized book will be a distinct advantage.

 

 

“Dream, believe, achieve”

 

Mr Bates

Head Teacher Mathematics