Mathematics
"When you steal a student's struggle, you steal the learning. When you support the struggle, you take that student farther than ever." Unknown author
At Narrabundah College, the Mathematics teachers support the students' struggle by encouraging them to explore their own thought processes, giving them a shared language for communicating their ideas, asking them to critique the quality of their own work, teaching them to question everything and by challenging them. A student's learning is ultimately their own responsibility and we work collaboratively with them to support them on the way to those "Aha!" moments when true understanding occurs.
Students and parents should be aware that Maths is not primarily about the content taught. The course content is the context through which we teach our students the analytical, communication and reasoning skills that will be beneficial throughout their lives.
Available Courses
At Narrabundah College, we offer a variety courses for those students wishing to study Mathematics. Students are able to choose from:
- Contemporary Mathematics (A) – An accredited course designed for students who either intend to study at CIT post-school or who want to gain valuable skills for working in an office or industry.
- Mathematical Applications (T) – A tertiary course designed for students who are considering university courses with quantitative elements, such as Nursing, Psychology, Sociology and Primary Education.
- Mathematical Methods (T) – A tertiary course designed for students who are considering a university course that requires a significant level of mathematics, such as Accounting, Commerce or Applied Science.
- Specialist Mathematics (T) – A tertiary course designed for students who are considering studying a university course that requires a high level of mathematics, such as Engineering, Actuarial Studies or Mathematics. Particularly able students are encouraged to do Specialist Mathematics Core and Options.
- ANU Mathematics (H) – A course run at the ANU to further extend students studying Specialist Mathematics. Entry to this course is based on a test administered by the ANU.
Choosing the right level of Mathematics
The following document shows the suggested level of college Maths for a student to study, based on their results from high school.
Choosing the Right Narrabundah Maths Course (769 KB)
When choosing subjects you should also consult the student guide for details about majors, minors and ACT Year 12 Certificate requirements. Students should start with the highest level of maths they are capable of achieving in, as generally students move down levels rather than up. Students are able to move between Specialist Maths and Maths Methods in Sessions 1 & 2 of Year 11, while there is more flexibility moving from Maths Methods to Maths Applications. Students should consult their adviser or the Executive Teacher of Mathematics before changing levels.
Calculator information
The following document provides information on the use, purchase and specifications of calculators used in the Specialist Maths and Mathematical Methods courses.
Calculator information for Narrabundah Students (88.5 KB)
International Baccalaureate
In addition to the ACT Certificate, students are able to choose to do an International Baccalaureate. IB students study Mathematics at one of three levels:
- IB Applications and Interpretations Standard Level (students enrol in Maths Methods).
- IB Analysis and Approaches Standard Level (students enrol in Specialist Maths Core).
- IB Analysis and Approaches Higher Level (students enrol in Specialist Maths Core and Options).
Opportunities in Mathematics
Students are provided with many opportunities outside of the classroom to challenge themselves mathematically.
Narrabundah College students compete in the UNSW Maths Competition and AMC Maths Competition and the ANU Maths Day.
Study Hub
Students can attend study hub on Monday and Wednesday afternoons where they can get individual assistance with Maths from former students.
For further information contact the Executive Teacher of Mathematics.