MATHEMATICS
Welcome back to Maths for 2023!
We have started the year off strongly across all year levels. Classes have been completing hands-on activities, building fluency by completing practice questions and developing their problem solving and collaboration skills during our Numeracy lessons.
Each newsletter we will highlight some of the fabulous activities and programs offered at each Year Level in our school. At Year 7 and 8, we have a variety of programs that work together to provide each student with an engaging, challenging and differentiated program.
Numeracy Program – The activities completed in this program provide students with an opportunity to develop a range of problem-solving techniques and teach them the value of reflecting on their thinking and the processes used. Developing these metacognitive strategies enables students to become more flexible, creative and self-directed learners.
Learning Goals – This program allows students the opportunity to choose which area of Maths they would like to improve in. They learn how to set appropriate SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely) goals and reflect on their own progress.
Maths classes – During these lessons, students work to achieve growth in the relevant areas of the Victorian Curriculum. Students will complete activities, practice solving problems and develop their understanding and fluency.
Homework program – Starting from Year 7, Maths students at Mooroolbark College are set regular weekly homework. Scaled to suit the year level, this program is designed to reinforce classroom learning by providing students with multiple exposures to the work covered in class, whilst also developing good work habits and routines for later in their schooling.
Club 3/4 – This is our homework and after school support session. Students are encouraged to come along if they need help with any work or if they want to complete their homework at a dedicated time each week. Club 3/4 runs each Tuesday and Thursday from 3-4pm. Year 7-10 students should head to the Student Wellbeing Centre, whilst Year 11 & 12 students can be found in the Study Centre.
Each Newsletter we will highlight the fabulous work being done across the Maths classes in our College. This newsletter we shine a spotlight on our Year 7 classes. To start the term, the Year 7 classes have been reviewing their Number skills, including BODMAS, Multiples, Factors, Primes and they have just started working with Negative Integers.
Here’s some highlights from our students:
“I have been liking the choice of different skill levels -the stars-, and how we are able to choose our own task for the lesson. This allows me to look at the questions and have the choice of pushing myself further, instead of learning stuff that I might already know.” – Alexis Williams
“I have enjoyed BODMAS and how to solve equations in the correct order. I also enjoyed the square root puzzle and connecting the pieces.” – Taylah Deveson
“I enjoy Maths because I’m good at the mathematical equations and stuff.” – Josh O’Connor
“The numeracy challenges provide a good amount of thinking and effort to complete and the homework isn’t overwhelming.” – Cooper Harrison
“In maths I have enjoyed all the games we have played and the group activities.” – Jacinta Cove
“I have enjoyed working with friends and going into High School maths with a fresh start.” – Olivia Fowler
“I have enjoyed working on the tasks from the textbook and working them out. I also liked the square root cards where we had to match the square roots and numbers together to end up making a shape.”?– Ella McKenzie
As part of our Year 7 Orientation, we held a Maths Show Presentation and a Maths Activity Day. These activities provided students with the opportunity to explore and develop their Mathematics learning skills. The students had a great time and it was a lot of fun with a hands-on experience and a step into their learning journey.
Kara Salmon
MATHEMATICS KEY LEARNING HEAD