About the Learning Area
Mathematics
Mathematics at Carey provides students with the opportunity to develop the mathematical and technological skills required to fulfil a role as an effective, contributing and progressive member of society.
Aims
- To develop mathematical confidence, curiosity and a good self-image through the enjoyment of challenge, the excitement of discovery and the experience of success.
- To advance mathematical ability to formulate and solve a wide variety of problems in practical and theoretical contexts through the development of logical and creative reasoning skills.
- To value the power of mathematics as a tool to communicate, reason and solve problems and to appreciate its cultural, historical and scientific role in the development of our society.
- To become familiar with the graphics calculator and the notebook computer as tools to facilitate the learning of topics including functions and graphing, statistics, geometry, trigonometry and calculus. The calculator and computer will also be used for information processing and performing calculations to investigate and solve complex, real-life problems in all areas of mathematics.
- To discover and extend individual interests and abilities and engage in continuing intellectual development both individually and in co-operative learning environments.
The wide range of Mathematics courses offered in the Senior School caters for individual needs. These courses include an acceleration and an extension program as well as the full range of VCE and IB subjects. In addition to this we also offer a university enhancement subject in which we have experienced a very high level of success for our students over a number of years.
Senior School Mathematics has been very well served by current technology, which has assisted students to develop their understanding of the concepts involved in mathematics at this level, as well as facilitating investigative projects, modelling exercises and extended problem solving activities.
Information Technology (IT)
The rapid developments in information technology are having a major influence on virtually all aspects of society. It is important that students learn to use information technology and come to an understanding of its power, scope and limitations.
Information Technology courses will equip students with the skills to be able to make use of information technology and make informed choices, at a personal level and in the workplace, on the future developments and directions in this exciting and challenging field. The overall focus of our courses is on
- the information technology used to process data into information hardware and software;
- the processing and management of information to meet a range of purposes;
- the impact of information technology on individuals, organisations and society.
Students will learn to use a variety of hardware and software to produce solutions to information problems encountered by individuals and organisations.
Students will undertake a number of projects each semester. Some projects will involve investigations into information systems in organisations outside the school environment.
Extension Programs
Mathematics
Year 12 students who have a particular interest in Mathematics may choose to undertake University Enhancement Mathematics. The University of Melbourne course is held at the Carey Senior School Campus.
Information Technology
Year 12 students who have a particular interest in Information Technology may choose to undertake University Enhancement Business Information Technology Systems. The Monash University course is usually held at the Carey Senior School Campus.
Senior students have the opportunity to compete in several competitions throughout the year. These include
- The University of Melbourne Mathematics Competition;
- The Australian Mathematics Competition: all students at all levels are encouraged to enter this competition;
- The Australian Informatics Programming Competition.
