Mathematics aims to develop the numeracy capabilities that all students need in their personal work and civic life and provide the fundamentals on which mathematical specialities and professional applications of mathematics are built. Additionally, it provides students with the ability to describe, interpret and reason about their social and physical world.
Mathematics at Thornlie aims to:
- Encourage students to develop an interest and a passion for Mathematics
- Instil in students an appreciation of the elegance and power of mathematical reasoning
- Provide a challenging curriculum that fosters appropriate academic and creative development
- Engage students in analytical, investigative and problem-solving strategies ( USSR )
- Provide opportunities for remediation to students who find Mathematics challenging.
In Year 7, all students follow a general program for the whole year (those selected for the Academic Excellence Program (AE) follow a different stream) and in Year 8, students are placed into specialised pathways to ensure that opportunities in Year 11, Year 12 and beyond are optimised. To find out more about the programs, click here.
For students with a drive to extend their mathematical interests and abilities, we offer the Academic Excellence stream in Years 7-10, with opportunities to participate in competitions and undertake additional assessments such as the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC).
With a focus on assisting each student to achieve their best, we provide daily “Homework Sessions” before school. these sessions are situated in Room 101 and are available from 8.00am through to 8.40am, when students are expected to proceed to their Period 1 class. We also have individually focused programs in place for students who have found difficulty in reaching their NAPLAN or OLNA targets.
At Thornlie, we see parents as partners because we know that true success in this discipline can only occur with parental support.
- Information regarding programmes of work, assessment items and results are all available to students and parents through COMPASS.
- Homework should be treated seriously by students (and supported by parents) as a means to validate understanding and application of concepts learned in class. Regardless of the new skill being learned, students will improve their performance only by regular practice.
The experienced staff in Mathematics are keen to work as a team, with parents, in ensuring the best outcomes for their children. Parents are invited to contact the relevant classroom teacher regarding their child’s progress or wellbeing. For all other issues, parents are requested to contact the Head of Department.
Mandeep Dhillon – Head of Department
