Mathematics

Mathematics and Statistics help students develop critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills. Knowledge and skills acquired in this subject area will empower students in their daily lives and also provide a basis for future career specific training.

The Mathematics department at Matamata College has the objective of ensuring that all our students leave school with at least the required qualifications needed for entrance to University or Polytechnic courses. We employ highly qualified and experienced teaching staff which includes specialists in both Calculus and Statistics. We have designed several courses aimed at maximizing the potential of all our students. The courses offered lead toward NCEA Qualifications and allow students to choose an appropriate pathway and focus for their learning.

To view the pathways chart, click here

 

Courses on Offer

Year 13: Calculus, Statistics and General Maths. Tuition for the Scholarship examinations in Calculus and Statistics is available for students wishing to sit these papers.

Year 12: Calculus Bias, Statistics Bias, General Maths and Numeracy.

Year 11: Maths External Bias, Maths Statistics Bias, General Maths and Numeracy

Year 10: Learning programs are based on the Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics strands of the New Zealand Curriculum. All classes are mixed ability and teachers extend students who show special ability and interest. There is also a Learning Assistance class for students who require extra help with their Mathematics. The Mathematics Learning Area is associated with Smart Waikato’s Secondary School Employer Partnerships (SSEP).This  is an award winning initiative connecting young people, educators and employers, generating transformative results for communities. Employers from a range of sectors interconnect with school faculties contextualising learning for Year 10 and introducing them to a wide range of careers.

Year 9: Learning programs are based on the Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics strands of the New Zealand Curriculum. All classes are mixed ability and teachers extend students who show special ability and interest. There is also a Learning Assistance class for students who require extra help with their Mathematics. There is a focus on developing effective numeracy strategies and students are encouraged to generalize the properties of these strategies, thus developing their thinking and numerical reasoning skills.

 

Extra Curricular Activities

The Matamata College Mathematics Department has numerous extra-curricular activities that are associated with the department including:

  • Mathematics Week.
  • Mathematics Competitions.

We encourage as many students as possible to enter the competitions that are available throughout the year.  Mathematics competitions encourage and stimulate problem-solving skills which are crucial to gaining high levels of achievement in Mathematics. The competitions that are available, are as follows:

  • University of Otago Junior Mathematics Competition (open to Year 9, 10 and Year 11 students).
  • WaiMaths Team competition for Year 9 and Year 10 students.  This is a team based activity where the best students from schools around Waikato compete against each other.
  • UNSW Australia Mathematics Competition – mid-year – open to Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 students.

Maths Week is a nationwide activity undertaken by schools to promote mathematics in schools. At Matamata College, we celebrate Maths Week with a number of activities which involve both staff and students.

 

NAVIN DEO

HEAD of LEARNING: MATHEMATICS

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