About Mathematics
 The Mathematics department at Asquith Boys High School is committed to developing each student’s skills and promoting a love of Mathematics and the associated thinking skills. The staff are constantly looking for ways of presenting the concepts contained in the syllabus in a relevant and interesting way. We adopt a quality teaching approach to our lesson plans and incorporate technology into all stages of the course. These include the use of Graphics Calculators, Internet, Spreadsheets and word processors as well as specialised Mathematics software.
We cater for students of all abilities and are able to offer all the NSW Board of Studies courses.
As well as regular classroom activities we have many students participating in extra activities.
This will be our second year of involvement in World Maths Day. This is a great activity in which students log onto a website and compete against students from around the world in timed races to answer addition, subtraction, multiplication and division questions. The competition happens this year on March 4th. There is a strong tradition of participation in the Australian Mathematics Competition. This is a nationwide competition which takes place in July. All students in the top class in each year are expected to compete but any others are welcome too.
Calculators are required for all students in every lesson. Scientific calculators can be purchased from the front office for $22.
Years 7-10
This year’s Year 7 classes are being taught some topics in the computer room. Specialist software is used for topics such as Geometry so that students can explore concepts without the traditional reliance on pen and paper.
From Years 8 to 10 classes are graded. This means that there is a top class, middle classes and a lower ability class. The purpose of this grading is to allow for more targeted teaching and gives opportunities for all students to learn at an appropriate pace. The grading process involves looking at test results and performance in class. Generally students will be moved between classes in the middle of the year or at the start of a new year.
Most classes in Years 7 to 10 are using the New Insight textbook. The textbook is well set out with plenty of examples embedded in each exercise. Unless otherwise indicated, students should bring the textbook to class for every Maths period. Plastic textbook covers must be used to transport textbooks to and from school in the student’s bag. These are available at the canteen, selling for $4.80. At the end of the year textbooks are returned to the school. Any damage or loss of textbooks is the responsibility of the student. Most textbooks cost around $40, and we expect each one to last around 5 years, so gentle treatment is essential.
Years 11 & 12
In 2009 we have classes in all courses, General Maths, 2Unit Advanced Maths, Extension 1 Maths and Extension 2 Maths (this is HSC only). Many of the General Maths students have purchased Casio graphics calculators from the school. These are powerful tools which simplify a number of operations and, importantly, they are allowed in all assessment tasks including the HSC.
Our Extension 1 and Extension 2 students have the advantage of smaller classes which allows for more individualised attention from teachers.
Our HSC results in Mathematics have shown a trend of consistent improvement over the last three years.
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