Maths

Maths enables students to gain entry to courses like Engineering, Biomedicine and Computer Science, but it is also vital for tradespeople and for many vocational careers. 

A sound understanding of Maths is a huge advantage in life, and so at Macleod College we present Maths as a problem-solving toolbox with emphasis on practical applications.

Topics studied are from the Victorian Curriculum strands of Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Student activities cater for different learning styles and ability levels. 

Improving student literacy is also a focus and mathematical tasks are designed with this in mind. In addition to the curriculum, students are assigned challenges to engage their  analytical skills and their application of math concepts to the real world.  

Once a fortnight, students from 7-9 will participate in a problem-solving session with all students from their year level. This grants students an opportunity to hone their problem-solving skills and to also connect and build relationships with students from other classes.

We individualise the Maths curriculum for each student through the iLEAP program,   grouping students according to their current needs and structuring the delivery of each  topic to suit their ability levels. 

The groups are fluid and students move from one to another depending on the topic and their proficiency.  This allows targeted remediation where it is needed but also extension for those who are ready for it.

 Year 9 and 10 students can choose from a range of courses depending on their ability  and interest. We cater for all levels, from those who thrive on the challenge of abstract concepts to those who require functional skills that are necessary in everyday life. 

We encourage our students to undertake the most appropriate course for them as an Individual, based on their abilities and aspirations.

In Year 11 and 12, we offer Math Methods, General Maths and Foundation Maths. We encourage students to undertake the most appropriate subject for their desired career path.

Assessment is an important part of any learning environment. At Macleod we have pre and post learning tests to gauge student knowledge and skill levels.   Students complete these pre-tests on Education Perfect (an online platform) that allows them to have targeted individualised homework assigned that supports them in the areas they need. 

We also allow students to resubmit assessments and resit tests as this encourages self-improvement and a mindset of success.

Classroom participation is actively encouraged, allowing us to track each student's skills growth through their presentations and the asking or answering of questions.

Maths Homework Club runs twice a week after school for students in Years 10 to 12. At least two Maths teachers are on hand to clarify the concepts learned in class and provide help with revision and homework during these sessions.