Math
The Mathematics Faculty at Port Hacking High School has eleven members. All the staff are very experienced in the teaching of all courses. This is reflected in the above average standard maintained in both the Higher School Certificate and School Certificate. In particular the 2004 Higher School Certificate results saw 50% candidates in Mathematics Extension 1 and Extension 2 achieve results in the top two bands.
The Year 8 SNAP results indicate significant improvement for students in their numeracy and problem solving levels.
From year 8 onward all Mathematics classes are graded. This allows students to enter a course of study in line with their ability. In years 9 and 10, we maintain three classes studying the 5.3 or Advanced course. Students then progress to higher level courses in years 11 and 12.
Students have the opportunity to participate in Australian Mathematics Competition. From the participants approximately half receive prizes or awards.
Stage 4 (Years 7-8)
In stage 4 students continue on the path of learning from Primary School. Their position on the continuum of learning from Kindergarten to Year 10 is identified and strengthened. The syllabus has major strands of steady. These are Measurement, Number, Algebra, Statistics and Probability. Problem solving, practical applications and use of technology is included in all strands.
Stage 5 (Years 9-10)
In stage 5 students continue their progression on the Mathematics continuum. To cater for all students three pathways of learning are identified, namely 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3.
Stage 5.1 is the basic course of study.
Stage 5.2 includes all the knowledge and skills from 5.1 with extensions in all strands.
Stage 5.3 includes all the knowledge and skills from 5.2 with extensions in all strands.
Problem solving, practical applications and use of technology is again an integral part of all strands.
Stage 6 (Years 11-12)
In stage 6 there are 4 courses available. In year 11 these are General Mathematics, Mathematics and Mathematics Extension 1. In year 12 all the year 11 courses plus Mathematics Extension 2 are offered.
General Mathematics is a 2 unit course with five main areas of study. These are Algebraic Modelling, Financial Mathematics, Data Analysis, Probability and Measurement. There is a strong emphasis on practical applications and modelling problems to represent common occurrences.Mathematics is a 2 unit course available to those students who displayed competence in the 5.1 and 5.2 courses. It allows students to progress in Mathematics at a tertiary level. Topics studied include Calculus (Differentiation and Integration), Geometry, Series and applications, Logarithmic, Exponential and Trigonometric Functions, The Quadratic Polynomial and Calculus Applications.
Mathematics Extension 1 is a 3 unit course that incorporates all the Mathematics course plus additional topics including Circle Geometry, Inverse Functions, Binomial Theorem, Probability, Simple Harmonic Motion, Projectile Motion and Mathematical Induction. This course is available to those students who were high achievers in the 5.3 course.
Mathematics Extension 2 is a 4 unit course only studied in year 12. It is available to those students with outstanding mathematical ability and competence in the year 11 Extension 1 course. Topics studied include Complex Numbers, Curve sketching, Polynomials, Conics, Integration, Volumes and Mechanics.
