Mathematics

Mathematics is the study of a logical system of reasoning which helps us to make sense of our world. Through the study of Mathematics and its application to other learning areas, students develop skills which form the basis of life-long numeracy.

The Mathematics Learning Area offers students the opportunity to develop a number of Mathematical skills which have been foundational to scientific and technical exploration and thinking.

Through the study of number and algebra, geometry and measurement, probability and statistics and the communication of reasoning, students are encouraged to undertake Mathematics at the highest level that they can. Our vision for our students is for them to be active participants in their world, to be the creators of the future and to make reasoned choices. This is why we study Mathematics.


Years 7 to 10

Students learn Mathematics by using the Maths Pathway differentiated learning model. The Maths Pathway program allows teachers to know the talents and skills, deficiencies and weaknesses in Mathematics learning of every student. By careful diagnosis, students are set work at their own level and each student has an individually designed program. In the class room, Maths Pathway is combined with rich tasks, projects and investigations.

Maths Pathway covers the Victorian Curriculum and all students are encouraged to succeed to their highest level. Students develop rigour and skill in Mathematics as well as cultivating independent learning habits and the capacity for logical reasoning.


VCE

These subjects are prescribed by the VCAA. Lavalla Catholic College offers the following:

Foundation: Units 1 & 2

This course has a strong emphasis on using Mathematics in practical contexts related to everyday life, recreation, work and study.

General Mathematics Units 1 & 2 leading to Further Mathematics Units 3 & 4

These courses are intended to be widely accessible and provide general preparation for employment and further study. The content includes Data analysis, Financial modelling, and elective units from a choice of the applications of Networks and Decision Mathematics, Matrices, Geometry and Measurement, Graphs and Relations.

Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2 leading to Mathematical Methods Units 3 & 4

These courses study formal Mathematics, using a variety of techniques in the areas of Functions and Graphs, Algebra, Calculus and Probability and Statistics. There is an emphasis on the application of Mathematics. Success in Mathematical Methods is a prerequisite of some university courses.

Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 leading to Specialist Mathematics Units 3 & 4

These courses highlight the structure, reasoning and application of a number of areas of Mathematics which include Functions and Graphs, Algebra, Calculus, Vectors, Mechanics and Probability and Statistics. The courses are generally taken in tandem with Mathematical Methods.