Mathematics

At Whangaparāoa College Mathematics courses focus on developing the ability to apply some of the essential skills described in The New Zealand Curriculum Framework: communication skills; numeracy skills; information skills; problem-solving skills; social and cooperative skills; and work and study skills.

To do this learners will be put in situations where they can be lead to “rediscover” concepts, develop and maintain skills, and tackle applications while learning to think mathematically. It is important that problems in real world contexts that are relevant to the learners are investigated. Connections to other learning areas will also be highlighted and explored. General objectives (GO) from Mathematics in the New Zealand Curriculum which Whangaparāoa College Mathematics teaching and learning aims to meet.

GO 1. Develop a belief in the value of mathematics and its usefulness.
GO 2. Nurture confidence in the learners’ own mathematical ability.
GO 3. Foster a sense of personal achievement and encourage a continuing and creative interest in mathematics.
GO 4. Develop skills, concepts, understandings and attitudes which will enable learners to cope confidently with the mathematics of everyday life.
GO 5. Develop a variety of approaches to solving problems in mathematics including the ability to think and reason logically.
GO 6. Help learners to achieve the mathematical and statistical literacy needed in a society which is technologically oriented and information rich.
GO 7. Provide learners with the mathematical tools, skills, understandings and attitudes that they will require in the world of work.
GO 8. Provide a foundation for those learners who may continue studies in mathematics or other learning areas where mathematical concepts are central.
GO 9. Help to foster and develop mathematical talent.
GO 10. To look for problems and solve them in flexible and creative ways reflecting critically on the methods chosen.

In Mathematics learners explore relationships between quantities, space and data. They learn how to express these relationships in ways that help them make sense of the world around them.

Learners will investigate and communicate patterns, relationships and models to solve problems in real life and hypothetical situations. These are drawn from a wide range of social, cultural, scientific, technological, health, environmental and economic contexts.

By studying Mathematics learners develop the ability to think creatively, critically, strategically, and logically. They learn to structure and to organise, to carry out procedures flexibly and accurately, to process and communicate information, and to enjoy intellectual challenge.

Mathematics also contributes to the Essential Learning Area of Technology through the use of calculators (Scientific, Graphical and CAS), computers (Particularly spreadsheets, graphing, dynamic geometry, statistics and simulation applications) and Interactive Whiteboards. Technology should be used to focus on the mathematical concepts and ideas where routine mechanical manipulation intrudes on the real point of learning situations.

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