2023 School Magazine

MATHEMATICS

MATHS RETROSPECTIVE

making it suitable for students with a broader range of interests and career goals. The course is designed to provide students with the mathematical knowledge, skills, and understanding needed in their personal and work lives. The topics of Finance, Measurement, Networking and Statistics aim to develop students' confidence in applying mathematics in real-world contexts and foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Maths Methods combines all the skills attained over students' time at Girls Grammar. It enables students to manipulate logic, problem-solving, analytical thinking, time management and more to their advantage in and out of class. Within the canopy of Maths Methods, students learn about functions and graphs, calculus, algebra, probability, and statistics. Some students say that they enjoy the cross-subject benefits of a strong understanding in Methods: ‘It's really supported me in the study of other senior subjects, like Chemistry and Physics, where Maths inevitably shows up!’ Specialist Maths, ‘Spec’, like vibrant leaves, extends from the mathematical tree by reaching into complex concepts and diverse problem-solving realms. Specialist Mathematics at BGGS tackles complex concepts and questions, integrating the breadth of mathematical knowledge students acquire throughout their time at the School. Students explore vectors, matrices, as well as advanced calculus and statistics as they come to the end of their time studying BGGS Maths. The incredibly well-structured two-year curriculum guides students through introductory units in Year 11, laying a strong foundation for advanced units in Year 12. Mathematics at BGGS is like a tree, with its roots grounded in fundamental concepts, its branches reaching out to diverse applications, and its growth nurtured by understanding and practice. Anna McAuley (12R), Lauren Hirst (12W), Hannah Marks (12G), Naomi Dooley (12E) and Tabatha Henley (12R).

The study of Mathematics can be compared to a tree—all its interwoven and outreaching branches—and students find it much the same at BGGS. We start with the roots. In Year 7, the students start out with a jumble of different skills and abilities, depending on their previous education. Girls Grammar aims to find an equitable balance, to bring everyone up to ground level. Students say they are ‘encouraged to ask questions—any question, any number of times’. The introduction of these new topics set the scene for the years of Maths still to come. Topics involve algebra, negative numbers, and basic geometric concepts, nurturing a strong mathematical foundation. Next, of course, is the trunk. In Years 8 and 9, all students continue the Junior Mathematics program to further develop skills in critical thinking, logical sequencing, and problem solving. In these middle years, our mathematicians are encouraged to embrace challenges that stretch their abilities, broaden their mathematical horizons, and nurture their problem-solving resilience. Just as the trunk supports the tree's growth, these years support students in building a solid mathematical core that will sustain their learning journey ahead. After junior school Maths, akin to the branches that extend from the trunk of the mathematical tree, students make the choice between General Mathematics—the study of the applications of foundational math concepts, or Maths Methods—focusing on specific mathematical techniques and problem-solving. Those who chose the Methods branch also have the opportunity to further their learning and deepen their understanding by studying Specialist Maths in Years 11 and 12. Years 11 and 12 stand as the vibrant leaves atop the sturdy branches of mathematical learning, where the accumulation of years spent mastering foundational knowledge transforms into the intricate foliage of real-life applications. General Maths at BGGS, a foundational leaf on the mathematical tree, provides a less mathematically intensive course of study than Specialist Maths and Maths Methods,

80 | BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2023