The aims of the mathematics curriculum are to:
Relate the orderly, precise and infinite nature of mathematics to the unchanging, enduring character of the Creator God of the universe, as well as to:
- Develop in students the skills, concepts, understandings and attitudes which will enable them to cope confidently with the mathematics of everyday life
- Help students to develop a variety of approaches to solving problems involving mathematics and to develop the ability to think and reason logically
- Help students to achieve the mathematical and statistical literacy needed in a society which is technologically oriented and information rich;
- Provide a foundation for those students who may continue studies in mathematics or other learning areas where mathematical concepts are central
Mathematics may seem like a subject that does not change much, but this has not been the case in the last two d4cades. In 1992 the curriculum was revised and a complete generation of students now has one good reason for being unable to do long divisions they were not taught it! The advent of calculators and computers in everyday life has meant this skill is no longer seen as useful or necessary. Since 1992, there have been other changes in curriculum and assessment methods, the most recent and notable being the introduction of NCEA. This new assessment method is a mixture of six 30 minute exams replacing the old School Certificate 3 hour paper, along with 3 Internal assessments occurring in class during the year.
Problem Solving
One constant at Hebron through the years, though, has been the participation of Year 7 and 8 (Form 1 and 2) classes in the Otago University Problem Solving Challenge. Many will remember the papers of five questions, set throughout the middle terms. The scoring indicators given are: 5 correct, Excellent 4 correct, Superior: 3 correct, Very Good; 2 correct, Good; 1 correct, Average; 0 correct, Try Again! Hebron students have consistently gained between 2 and 3 correct, with some students attaining almost perfect scores over the whole year.
University of New South Wales Competition
Since 2000, the University of New South Wales Mathyematics Competition has been offered at Hebron, and this is now available to secondary students as well as primary students. Some Hebron students have gained High Distinction awards and Distinction awards in these competitions although we still look forward to a Medal (first in the country).
Year 9 Mathematics Topic is Reflection and Rotation
Year 11
During the year, the nine (9) NCEA Level 1 Achievement Standards are covered. Three of these; Statistics, Geometry techniques to produce a pattern or object (constructions), and a practical measurement topic are examined internally.
The other six (6) topics; Algebra, Graphs, Probability, Number, Geometry and Solving Right-Angled Problems, are examined in a three (3) hour external exam at the end of the year. In 2004 we have also introduced Unit Achievements to be sat internally during the year. These help some of our mathematically less capable students to gain credits.
Year 12
This is quite a challenging year and students need to work consistently and diligently through the year. We have 8 of the Achievement Standards at Level 2. Two of the standards are done internally -- simulating probability and practical trigonometry. The other 6 Achievement Standards are sat as a 3 hour external exam at the end of the year. Topics covered are graphs, co-ordinate geometry, algebra, calculus, sequences and trig equations.
Year 13
Calculus in year 13 explores our Lord's complexity ranging from delightful topics, like Optimization, to demanding ones, like Complex Numbers. The rigor of Calculus instills exhaustive thinking, meaning not overlooking any outlying possibility in any complicated problematic life situation. That is to say, Calculus graduates gain a very focused mind, with very convergent thinking. Engineering, Medicine, and other University Faculties look for Calculus Credits for eligibility to enroll. Statistics is a younger Maths discipline, confirming that there will always be more of God's treasures to uncover. Several topics are processed on our school computers, and 8 credits are possible by Internal Assessment. Many areas of business use statistical analysis for long-term planning. Medical practice now heavily relies on interpretation of Confidence Intervals, and other Statistical aspects, for safer decisions in clinical situations, because a patient outside the norm in some metabolic parameter may die from a normal treatment.