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Peakhurst Campus

Peakhurst Campus

Georges River College

Telephone02 9153 9966

Emailpeakhurst-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Mathematics & Information and Software Technology (IST)

The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10. 

By studying mathematics, students learn to work mathematically – developing fluency, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning and communication skills.

The syllabus consists of the following strands:

  • number and algebra
  • measurement and geometry
  • statistics and probability.

In Year 11 and 12, the study of mathematics is optional. Courses offered include:

  • Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
  • Mathematics Extension 1
  • Mathematics Advanced
  • Mathematics Standard 2
  • Mathematics Standard 1 (Optional HSC examination)
  • Mathematics Life Skills.

Mathematics & Information and Software Technology (IST) faculty

The mathematics/computing faculty comprises experienced and dedicated staff who are committed to providing quality teaching in a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Staff are enthusiastic about utilising innovative technology which meet both the needs of 21st Century learners and industry standards to prepare students for any senior mathematics and computing courses they may wish to pursue and for the use of skills developed in the areas of literacy, numeracy and technology beyond the classroom.

Aiming for Excellence in Mathematics

Mathematics

Mathematics curriculum rationale

Mathematics is a reasoning and creative activity employing abstraction and generalisation to identify, describe and apply patterns and relationships. It is a significant part of the cultural heritage of many diverse societies. The symbolic nature of mathematics provides a powerful, precise and concise means of communication. Mathematics incorporates the processes of questioning, reflecting, reasoning and proof. It is a powerful tool for solving familiar and unfamiliar problems both within and beyond mathematics. As such, it is integral to scientific and technological advances in many fields of endeavour. In addition to its practical applications, the study of mathematics is a valuable pursuit in its own right, providing opportunities for originality, challenge and leisure.

Mathematics Years 7–10 Syllabus

The strands are briefly outlined below:

strand: working mathematically - objective: Students develop understanding and fluency in mathematics through inquiry, exploring and connecting mathematical concepts, choosing and applying problem-solving skills and mathematical techniques, communication and reasoning.

strand: number and algebra - objective: Students develop efficient strategies for numerical calculation, recognise patterns, describe relationships and apply algebraic techniques and generalisation.

strand: measurement and geometry - objective: Students identify, visualise and quantify measures and the attributes of shapes and objects, and explore measurement concepts and geometric relationships, applying formulas, strategies and geometric reasoning in the solution of problems.

strand: Statistics and Probability - objective: Students collect, represent, analyse, interpret and evaluate data, assign and use probabilities and make sound judgements.

Program initiatives

Curriculum newsletters - Each term, mathematics curriculum newsletters are sent home to provide a brief outline of the topics being delivered and assessed during the coming term. Parents are encouraged to support their child in keeping up to date and revising the course content.

Mathletics -  Mathletics is an online resource used in conjunction with other resources to support students is revising previous topics, bridging any gaps in their knowledge and moving them further along the Mathematics continuum whilst catering for students' individual strengths and weaknesses.

Maths Lab - Hands-on practical activities and games which presents essential mathematical content in an interesting, fun and motivating way and focuses on areas where students need practice and reinforcement across all areas of the Maths curriculum.

Whole school numeracy - Targeting the improvement and strengthening of working mathematically and numeracy skills during Roll Call.

Pi Day - Pi Day is an annual event celebrated at GRC Peakhurst Campus with Year 8 students. It is a day devoted to the irrational constant Pi. The day is filled with Pi (and pie) activities across all subject areas.

Traditionally, pi day is celebrated on March 14 all over the world, while pi approximation day is celebrated on 22nd July. Pi day can also be celebrated on the 17th June which is the first time William Jones used the symbol pi to represent the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter or on November 10th which is the 314th day of a non-leap year.

Please visit the school calendar to see when pi day will be held this year.

Information and Software Technology

The study of Information and Software Technology Years 7–10 assists students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to solve problems in real life contexts. Through experiential and collaborative tasks, students engage in processes of analysing, designing, producing, testing, documenting, implementing and evaluating information and software technology-based solutions. Creative, critical and meta-cognitive thinking skills are developed through students' practical involvement in projects.

Information and Software Technology Years 7–10 Syllabus

Information and Software Technology is an elective offered to Year 9 and Year 10 students. It may be completed as either a 100 or 200-hour course and it enables students to develop knowledge, understanding, confidence and creativity in analysing, designing, developing and evaluating information and software technology solutions.

Students undertaking the course in both Years 9 and 10 will complete a minimum of four projects which focus on developing solutions to real world problems. The projects integrate practical aspects of both the core and option topics taught.

Stage 5: Year 9 and Year 10

Core topics:

  • Design, produce and evaluate
  • Past, current and emerging technologies
  • Data handling
  • Hardware
  • Issues
  • People
  • Software

Option topics:

  • Artificial intelligence, Simulation and modelling
  • Authoring and multimedia
  • Database design 
  • Digital media
  • The internet and website development
  • Networking systems
  • Robotics and automated systems
  • Software development and programming

In IST, assessment is based on each student's:  

  • competence in selecting, justifying and using a range of hardware and software applications.
  • ability to analyse problems, initiate independent research in an ethical manner and communicate ideas.
  • higher-order thinking skills and problem-solving strategies in project work.
  • competence in self-management skills including time and resource management during project work.
  • ability to communicate and document thoughts and understanding through reflective writing in project logs.
  • ability to evaluate processes and solutions for a variety of real-world problems.
  • collaborative approach to projects, leadership, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
  • knowledge of current and emerging technologies and their effects on the individual, workplace and society.