Catalyst • Junior Secondary Curriculum • Handbook 2021
Core
Subject
Mathematics
Core Mathematics provides progressive instruction
in mathematical skills, processes and concepts. The
courses are constructed in accordance with the
Western Australian Curriculum.
Through the study of Mathematics, students will
gain a range of process-based problem-solving
skills, developing the ability to investigate, interpret,
check and generalise results. Students will also
expand upon their understanding of mathematical
concepts and use appropriate technology to assist the
mathematical process.
All students in Years 7 - 9 study the same core
program. However, from Term 2 in Year 7 onwards
they will be grouped by similar learning needs, and
given appropriate remediation or extension, both
individually and as a class.
For students with a diagnosed learning difficulty
and who require intervention and extra support in
developing their literacy skills, support is
available through our Learning Enrichment
program. For more details please contact Mrs Ullisa
Macdougall-Hull, Head of Learning Enrichment at
[email protected]
or 9377 8503.
FOCUS Maths can also be recommended by the
Learning Support Coordinator for those students in
Year 7 who need support or intervention to ensure
positive progress with numeracy development. This
occurs as an additional class to replace the study of a
language.
Year 7
Students study Mathematics as a formal subject. A
major focus is to assist students to develop interest
and enjoyment in mathematics, and the ability to
think and reason logically. Numeracy skills will be
developed without the aid of calculators.
Topics covered are:
• Number: mental arithmetic, decimals, pattern,
place, fractions, percentages
• Space: angles, triangles and other 2D shapes,
compass bearing, map reading, scales paths, nets
of solids
• Measurement: length, perimeter, area, volume
• Chance and data: basic probability and statistics.
Year 8
In Year 8, the topics covered are:
• Patterns and algebra: abbreviations, substitution,
adding and subtracting like terms, simplifying and
expanding and solving linear equations
• Number skills and directed numbers: order,
squares and square roots, factor trees, negative
numbers, calculators, ratio
• Percentages: conversion and expressing quantity
as a fraction of another
• Measurement: area, length, volume, capacity,
units, conversions, time, mass, scales
• Space: angles, parallel lines, tessellations.
Year 9
In Year 9, the topics covered are:
• Number: techniques and financial application
• Indices and scientific notation: powers, rules, surds
• Measurement: arc, sector, compound shapes,
scales, error, dilation
• Pythagorean theory and trigonometry
• Linear functions.
Students will be assessed on a regular basis with
topic tests and investigations, in which students
can demonstrate their conceptual knowledge and
problem-solving skills.
For additional details about the Core Mathematics
courses, please contact:
Mr Craig Naylor
Head of Mathematics
(08) 9377 9257
[email protected]
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