Learning Areas > Mathematics and Computing
Leader of Learning - Mathematics and Computing: Kylie Slaney
P: +61 3 9816 1555 E: kylie.slaney@carey.com.au
Computing Pathways.pdf
Mathematics Pathways.pdf
About the Learning Area
Mathematics is an integral part of our lives. Its application is diverse, ranging from the developments and decisions made in industry and commerce to those made on a sporting field or in the home. Mathematicians study the patterns arising from the real world. By observing, representing and interpreting these patterns, Mathematicians can make predictions in a wide variety of situations.
Most students study a core Mathematics course throughout Years 7, 8 and 9 based on the Victorian Curriculum. Classroom teachers provide support or extension work through a differentiated curriculum. The curriculum incorporates a variety of challenging problem-solving activities as well as a focus on developing rigour in the key areas of algebra, number, geometry, measurement, statistics and probability.
A Foundation class is offered to a small number of students who are identified as experiencing difficulty learning mathematics or who require time to consolidate foundations. Foundation classes follow a similar program of work as the mainstream classes, but also address gaps in basic mathematical skills with the intention that students work towards reintegrating back into the mainstream classroom.
Students in Mainstream Year 7, 8 and 9 who are identified as having a high capacity for numerical reasoning and enjoy challenging non-routine mathematical investigations which also involve basic computer programming are invited to participate in a weekly withdrawal lesson to enrich their mathematical knowledge. They work on challenging problem-solving activities and participate in mathematics competitions such as the Australian Problem Solving Mathematics Olympiad and the Australian Mathematics Competition, among others. These students miss one lesson of Mainstream Mathematics per week.
Those students who have demonstrated a very high level of Mathematical understanding during their completion of Year 7 and Year 8 mathematics may be invited to join a Year 9 course which compacts the curriculum and provides time for more indepth study of non-routine challenging applied questions. This program is aimed at preparing the most talented mathematicians for the most challenging Senior School Mathematics courses: IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, HL and VCE Specialist Mathematics.
Mathematics elective units are also part of the Middle School program. Based on teacher recommendation, a two semester Mathematics Consolidation course is offered to some students in Years 8 and 9. These students are given the chance to establish a stronger foundation for future years of study. The Consolidation courses are taken concurrently with the core Mathematics program and give students the opportunity to practise concepts and to revise key material from previous years.
The elective Mathemagicians is also offered to Year 8 students who are particularly interested in mathematical problem-solving.
All students in Middle School are invited to attend Maths Study Hall on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons where they can receive extra assistance with their Mathematics.
Computing
Computing focusses on the application of problem-solving methodology, and on the strategies and techniques for managing information systems and creating digital solutions. Computing supports students to participate in a globalised society and economy as they learn how to exploit the capabilities of digital systems and manage the task of communicating and collaborating with others locally and globally.
While computing is incorporated into all aspects of the curriculum at Carey, students in Years 8 and 9 with a particular interest in this area of study may take up Year 8 Digital Technology Adventures or Year 9 Creative Silicon Chips as their elective Computing subject. These provide students with a chance to study a variety of digital technologies to develop their knowledge and skills in computer programming, web development, electronics and robotics. In Computing electives, students are actively engaged with algorithmic thinking and problem solving as they learn to how to study independently as well as how to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to develop digital solutions.
Year 8 Digital Technology Adventures and Year 9 Creative Silicon Chips, assist students to explore Computer Science which can lead them to the semester-long elective subject in Year 10, Computer Science in Action, and further studies that continue through VCE to Year 12. Students can select Year 8 Digital Technology Adventures in Semester 1 and Semester 2. Year 9 Creative Silicon Chips can only be selected once, with the option of Semester 1 or Semester 2.
High achieving Computing students also have the opportunity to compete in several competitions throughout the year.
- Computational and Algorithmic Thinking Competition.
- Australian Informatics Olympiad.
