Core Mathematics & Core Enrichment Mathematics
Common Unit
Unit Description
Year 8 Mathematics follows the Victorian Curriculum and aims to develop a solid foundation in Mathematics and to increase confidence in their ability to apply skills to solve problems and make connections between different areas of Mathematics.
Students extend their understanding of integers and rational numbers. Indices are explored and scientific notation is introduced and used in estimation and calculation where appropriate. Proportional reasoning is explored and applied to practical problem-solving. The study of algebra is continued as students improve their ability to manipulate algebraic expressions and then use these skills in formal equation solving. Students also analyse data obtained from real-life situations in their study of statistics. This is followed by an investigation of geometric properties of shapes. Student knowledge of area and volume is extended and the concept of total surface area introduced. They discover linear relationships and sketch graphs of these relationships. tudents participate in regular problem-solving activities to allow them to connect ideas in mathematics, investigate problems collaboratively and master key problem-solving strategies.
Most students study the Core Mathematics course 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.
Core Enrichment requires students to maintain an A level in the Core mathematical skills and the course extends students who have a high capacity for numerical reasoning and enjoy challenging non-routine mathematical investigations which may also involve basic computer programming. Students in the Core Enrichment choice engage in challenging problem-solving activities and are encouraged to participate in mathematics competitions such as the Australian Problem Solving Mathematics Olympiad and the Australian Mathematics Competition, among others. Students who choose Core Enrichment and do not meet the required levels for the mathematical skills will move to the Core mathematics class. The focus of the Enrichment component of the programme is to develop students’ abstract thinking and problem-solving skills. Carey have developed an Enrichment curriculum that is separate to the Victorian School Mathematics Curriculum. Enrichment is not an extension of the classroom curriculum; it is a course that engages students in non-routine complex problems. Students who enjoy mathematical thinking and exploring and experimenting with Mathematics thrive in these components of the Core Enrichment program.
All mathematical classes use a variety of practical and concrete experiences, students continue to develop fluency with whole numbers and integers. The foundations for proportional reasoning are extended to connections between fractions, decimals and percentages. This is followed by an introduction to abstract reasoning with the study of algebra, together with number patterns and relationships. The use of probability to predict events is studied along with statistics. Through hands-on activities, students explore and investigate geometry and measurement and their relationship to two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes. Students also extend their use of algebra to the solving of algebraic equations.
Students participate in regular problem-solving activities to allow them to connect ideas in mathematics, investigate problems collaboratively and master key problem-solving strategies
Assessment
- Topic tests.
- Collaborative tasks.
- Semester tests.
