MATHEMATICS
Welcome back to Maths for 2024!
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.
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. This homework forms part of the compulsory coursework for Years 7 – 10.
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.
This term our Year 7 and 9 students will participate in some activities to help them prepare for our upcoming NAPLAN tests. Students will be reminded that these tests are just one aspect of our school’s assessment and reporting process and that it does not replace the ongoing assessment and observations made by their teachers about their performance. Teachers, our school and the government use NAPLAN to gather information about how education programs are working and whether students are achieving important educational outcomes. All students will be encouraged to approach the tasks with a positive attitude and to put in their best effort.
If you have any questions about the Mathematics programs offered, your child’s Mathematics journey or the upcoming NAPLAN Numeracy tests, please contact me on kara.salmon@mooroolbarkcollege.vic.edu.au.
Kara Salmon
MATHEMATICS KEY LEARNING HEAD