Mathematics
“Mathematics: The only subject that counts”
Introduction
The wonderful and useful subject of Mathematics is well covered at O’Connor Catholic College. We have a full curriculum, well-qualified and enthusiastic teachers, excellent resources and an effective learning environment in each classroom.
Teachers
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Mr Stephen Chapman
Mathematics Coordinator
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Mr Ian Tonkin
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Mr Vasile Sinscu
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Mrs Kath Czinner
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Mr Mark Harris
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Mr Andrew May
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Mr Charlie Allen
Classes and Curriculum
We offer the full range of NSW Board Of Studies courses from Year 7 to Year 12. This includes the option for students to study Life Skills courses if their skills prohibit them from completing mainstream courses.
Stage 4 Mathematics is covered with Year 7 and Year 8 classes. In 2013 the Year 8 classes all have student-supplied iPads to supplement their learning. In Year 9 and 10 the Stage 5 pathways are covered with four classes. 1 top Stage 5.3 class, two streamed 5.2 classes and one Stage 5.1 class. We consider moving students from one class to another throughout the junior years to best suit the needs and abilities of the student.
2013 Classes
Year 7 (Not streamed in Term 1. From term 2 onwards, a top class will be formed)
Year 8 Mathematics (Fully Streamed)
8M1 Top Class Mr Tonkin
Year 9 Mathematics (Fully Streamed)
9 Stage 5.3 Top Class Mr Sinscu
9 Stage 5.2 A Mr Tonkin
9 Stage 5.2 B Mrs Czinner
9 Stage 5.1 Mr May
Year 10 Mathematics (Fully Streamed)
10 Stage 5.3 Top Class Mr Chapman
10 Stage 5.2 A Mrs Czinner
10 Stage 5.2 B Mr Harris
10 Stage 5.1 Mr Sinscu
Year 11 Preliminary
11 Mathematics Extension 1 Mr Tonkin
11 Mathematics Mr Allen
11 Mathematics General 1 Mr Chapman
11 Mathematics General 2 Mr Harris
11 Mathematics General 3 Mr Sinscu
Year 12 HSC
12 Mathematics and Ext 1 combined Mr Harris
12 General Mathematics Mr Chapman
12 General Mathematics Mr Tonkin
Catering for gifted and talented students
There are countless opportunities for gifted and talented students to achieve to their full potential at O’Connor. To start with, each teacher provides extension questions when needed in class. HOTmaths has a challenge level of questions in each lesson. There are many competitions students can participate in. The Australian Mathematics Competition (August), the Australian Mathematics Challenge (6 hard questions done as an assignment in Term 2) and the ICAS Mathematics Competition are just a few examples.
We are able to accelerate very talented students from Year 9 Mathematics into Year 11 Mathematics. This means that they do Year 9 and 10 Mathematics in one year. The result is they complete the HSC for Mathematics while they are in Year 11. Acceleration of students has a long formal application process, but the benefits for suitable students are clear.
HOTmaths
Every student a O’Connor in Year 7 to 10, and all General Mathematics students in Year 11 and 12, have a HOTmaths account. HOTmaths is a fantastic website that provides lessons, tutorials, questions and even games. The best thing about HOTmaths is that everything is exactly the same as the mathematics programs we follow in classes. Teachers can keep track of the progress each student, and students and parents can work on topics at home. It means students can learn and revise at their own pace.
Resources and Technology
There are modern resources in each mathematics classroom. Each room has a large flat-screen tv with an Apple TV attached to it. This means that the teacher and students in the classroom can display their work from an ipad or computer on the screen for demonstration purposes. Every student in Year 8 (2013) needs to have an iPad. In mathematics, these are used to access HOTmaths, calculators, apps and the textbook in digital form.
Stephen Chapman
Mathematics Coordinator