Mathematics Department
There are two School aims that are of particular importance to the Mathematics Department at Frederick Irwin:
- To develop the ability to think clearly, logically, critically and
creatively and foster these skills necessary for continued learning and decision
making throughout life.
- To provide, in a caring and supportive environment, a broad based education which emphasizes development of literacy, numeracy and communication skills supported by a tradition of academic excellence and the pursuit of personal best.
These School aims provide the focus for the teaching and learning of Mathematics.
All students are provided with the opportunities to develop their
Mathematical abilities to the fullest. Functional numeracy is a key component of all
Mathematics classes and the pursuit of academic excellence is fostered as a priority
within the Mathematics Department.
Students are taught Mathematics in a traditional way, using text books and standard
methodologies. Classes are mostly streamed to cater for individual differences in
the lower Secondary years and courses designed to extend and enrich each student.
By streaming classes students are able to achieve success at an appropriate level.
The use of technology to enhance student learning is a priority in the teaching and
learning of Mathematics. In this sense computers, calculators and other audio-visual
aids are used wherever appropriate.
Programmes are designed to incorporate the learning outcomes for Mathematics in an
integrated way. The learning strands of Number, Measurement, Space,
Chance and Data, Algebra and Working Mathematically are not seen as separately
assessed areas but as part of the whole fabric of Mathematics.
Competitions provide an excellent opportunity for students to be extended and
enriched in their studies. Over the years we have developed a strong tradition
of participation and excellence in many of these. The Australian Mathematics Competition.
The Mathematics Talent Quests, The Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians, The Schools
Statistics Poster Competition, The Have Sum Fun Competitions and the Mathematics Games Camp
are all events in which Frederick Irwin has been a regular participant. In many of these we
have been very successful with individual and team winners at State and National levels.
Rod Sinclair
Head of Mathematics