Mathematics

“For the things of this world cannot be made known without a knowledge of mathematics.” – Roger Bacon

Mathematics is a core subject in the National Senior Certificate (‘Matric’) and it is compulsory for students to study either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy in Grades 10, 11 and 12.

Students who elect to follow the Cambridge Studies curriculum have to take Mathematics at AS Level in order to meet the entrance requirements of local universities. These students are therefore required to take Mathematics in Grade 10 as Mathematical Literacy is insufficient preparation.

Mathematics at Dainfern College

The Mathematics department at Dainfern College is committed to enabling students to achieve their potential in Mathematics, as well as instilling in students an appreciation of and wonder at the many facets of Mathematics. We aim to develop essential skills in students: developing the correct use of mathematical language, developing the ability to collect, analyse and interpret quantitative data to evaluate and make conclusions, and using mathematical process skills to identify, investigate and solve problems creatively and critically. Students learn to communicate using appropriate mathematical language, graphs, symbols, tables and diagrams. All of this helps to develop mental processes that will enhance logical and critical thinking, accuracy and problem solving in later life. Problem solving helps us to better understand the world around us, and thus teaches us to think creatively.

Specific aims:

1. Doing calculations without the help of a calculator.
2. Mathematical modeling.
3. Working systematically, making generalisations, making conjectures and justifying and proving these conjectures.
4. Understanding and working with number systems.
5. Knowing the history of Mathematics.
6. Developing problem solving and cognitive skills.
7. To prepare students for higher education and their future careers.

Specific mathematical skills

In order to develop these skills, a studentshould:

1. Know the correct use of Mathematics language
2. Know how to collect, analyse and organise data and be able to evaluate it
3. Use different procedures to identify, investigate and solve problems
4. Use spatial skills and properties of shapes and items to identify and solve problems
5. Be able to communicate with other people by using the appropriate words, graphs, symbols, tables and diagrams

Topics covered in Mathematics

The main topics in Mathematics are:

1. Functions
2. Number patterns, sequences and series
3. Finance, growth and decay
4. Algebra
5. Differential calculus
6. Probability
7. Euclidean geometry and measurement
8. Analytical geometry
9. Trigonometry
10. Statistics

Extra help is available to all students throughout the year through daily academic support ‘Growth Point’ periods.