The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
In Year 11 and 12, the study of mathematics is optional until the end of 2023. Courses offered currently include:
- Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Advanced
- Mathematics Standard 2 (Previously known as General 2)
- Mathematics Standard 1 (Previously known as General 1) (Optional HSC examination)
- Mathematics Life Skills.
A highly experienced and dedicated staff is committed to providing all students with a quality education in this important subject area, with a focus on developing the skills and confidence to work accurately on number-related, everyday and mathematics-specific problems.
Teaching programs based on the national curriculum are used to help develop the knowledge and skills appropriate to each student's level of ability, with curriculum differentiation employed where appropriate. Students are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their learning and use all available resources to improve their understanding. They are offered ongoing feedback, encouragement and challenge from their teachers, and are expected to persevere and strive to achieve to the best of their ability. Homework is given regularly for the purpose of consolidating the work from each lesson, while regular revision and study are encouraged to help achieve a consistent level of success in assessment tasks.
All students in Mathematics are required to bring a fully charged device, a grid exercise book and a scientific calculator (PDF 44KB) to every class. We recommend the Casio fx-82AU priced $30 for students year 7 to year 10 and the Casio fx-8200AU priced $50 for senior students of year 11 and 12. Students may also be requested to bring in a geometry set. Calculators and geometry equipment will not be lent to students during examinations.
Year 7 and 8
Students are streamed in years 7 and 8 according to their performance and given every opportunity to extend at the level they are placed in.
Year 9 and 10
Students are placed in 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 course based on Year 8 Assessment performance. However, students are given regular opportunities to move between courses based on their progress and performance.
Stage 5 Accelerated Mathematics
This course caters for students who are gifted and talented in the area of Mathematics.
In Year 9 Accelerated Mathematics, students complete an in-depth study of the three strands of the Mathematics curriculum: Number & Algebra, Measurement & Geometry, and Statistics & Probability. Accelerated Mathematics places particular emphasis on developing high order mathematical reasoning skills in students.
The students apply Mathematics by engaging in classroom activities that strengthen conceptual understanding and develop logical reasoning. Entrance into Accelerated Mathematics is based on student performance in Stage 4 as well as a ‘Placement Examination’ due to high demand in seeking entry into this course.
Students enrolled in this course will complete Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) Mathematics content in Year 9 and pursue Stage 6 Mathematics Advanced coursework starting in Year 10. Completion of the Mathematics Advanced course in Year 11 will contribute 2 units towards the student’s Higher School Certificate (HSC).
Year 11 and 12
The Mathematics Extension 2, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Standard 2 and Standard 1 courses are offered, with a focus on preparing students to achieve their best possible result in the HSC examination. Our students have consistently achieved success in all courses, with many making use of their skills and knowledge in this subject area in post-secondary education.
The flow chart shows the recommended course selection for Year 11
Online Learning Platforms
Access to online learning platforms such as Atomi (Year 11 and 12) and MathsOnline (Year 7-11) provided to students to assist them with their learning at and outside school. These platforms provide the students with video tutorials and additional practice quizzes to help them reinforce their learning in the classroom and assist them with completing their homework.
Competitions (ICAS)
ICAS assessments are designed to recognise academic excellence. Students are provided an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to apply classroom learning to new contexts using higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills. A significant number of Marsden High School students take part in this non-mandatory competition, with a large number achieving results at distinction level.
Over 100 Marsden High School students take part in this non-mandatory competition, with a significant number achieving results at distinction level. In our opinion, the AMC is a strong measure of mathematical and problem-solving ability, as well as the level of student and staff motivation to achieve to the best of their ability no matter how high the challenge. This competition is available annually.