Mathematics is all about ideas, principles and concepts. Knowledge of numbers (numeracy) is important as a foundation, but mathematics is much more than this. The reasoning required for Mathematics is used in all walks of life, from music to sport, from languages to sciences.
Our aim is to prepare our students’ minds to appreciate the importance and usefulness of Mathematics.
Mount Albert Grammar’s Mathematics staff endeavour to provide a positive work environment where each student can develop their personal excellence. In order to attain this goal, Junior students are often taught Mathematics in bands of ability. This enables the Department to move students up or down within the bands so that each student can be placed in an appropriate class that best suits their ability and understanding at that point in time. Movement between the bands takes place irregularly over the year, particularly in Year 9. This is largely because students entering MAGS have come from different backgrounds and expectations. The movement between bands is carried out to ensure that all students receive the best possible opportunity to reach their potential.
In the Junior school there are several levels ranging from ‘Jump Start’ classes which cater for those students who have struggled in Mathematics and need extra support to help them back into a mainstream teaching environment, to “Accelerate” and “Extension” classes where students are working on levels one or two years ahead of their peers.
Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13 students can choose from a variety of courses that will address their skills and specific needs. Their choices arise from the progress they have made during each year level. Students must have progressed sufficiently to establish a foundation that will allow them to be ready for the jump between levels and the variety of courses offered at those levels.
At Year 12 they are able to start to diversify into Calculus and Statistics or to stay in a main line general Mathematics course.
The Level 3 Calculus, Statistics and general Mathematics courses (usually at Year 13) are a natural progression following on from Level 2. A highly successful Scholarship programme is also available in both Calculus and Statistics.
All our courses are NCEA approved.
Real progress in Mathematics is attained by students fully participating in class, making the most of all the opportunities that are offered, and having a positive attitude toward their studies.
