Mathematics

Maths Pathway

Students in Stage 4 at Mater Dei Catholic College use Maths Pathway as a vehicle to study Mathematics. The main purpose for the use of Maths Pathway is for each student to be able to achieve individual success. This is due to the fact that each student receives differentiated work that is suited to their particular needs in that area of maths.The differentiated work is delivered concurrently with the year based outcomes given by NESA. 

A brief explanation has been provided below with the main features of how students study Mathematics.

Diagnostic

All students start Year 7 with a Diagnostic with the idea that students will be given work that is appropriate and at the level that they are ready for. This diagnostic pinpoints exactly where the student is in their maths learning against the whole maths curriculum. 

Teacher Led Instruction

Each lesson, students are able to learn from an experienced teacher who will lead them through the core mathematical concepts appropriate to that lesson. This is accompanied by the opportunity to collaborate with their peers and complete a series of practice questions which will demonstrate a level of mastery of the content taught.

Personalised Learning

Students will experience a truly differentiated classroom where they will be given the capacity to work effectively and independently. We look to ensure that all students maximise their mathematical potential by giving them access to modules they are ready for. Each module is part of a coherent sequence of learning that ensures students are building a deep understanding as they progress.

Rich Tasks

Class-wide rich learning tasks that aim to get your child excited and engaged in problem solving using the maths skills they’ve developed, alongside their friends.

Homework

Students will be expected to complete any work that they did not finish in class at home. If students have finished their set work from class, they have bonus modules to complete for extra revision.

Key Features for Using Maths Pathway

Teachers discover all the gaps and competencies that each student has in the maths curriculum.

Learning is personalized to each student’s needs.

Teachers, informed by detailed data on student achievement, use their expertise to provide highly effective explicit teaching.

Students are more engaged in maths, less anxious and deeply understand the maths they learn.

Students reach excellent levels of numeracy and are prepared for senior mathematics.

What do Year 8 students have to Say?

Caitlin Pitstock - ‘I like how the modules allow me to move ahead depending on what I know rather than being held back.’

Rhys Schneider - ‘I am made to continually think hard which pushes me to greater heights.’

Teddy Gordon - ‘There are worked solutions provided that allow me to see how I can progress through the more difficult questions.’

Amelia McPherson - ‘I can work on more difficult modules from Yr 9 and Yr 10 to prepare myself for higher levels of maths.’

Aimee UpHill - ‘The modules are well structured to help me understand a topic.’

Charles Clancy - ‘The Entrance Ticket gives me a brief overview of what I will be learning.’

Mr Kurt McPherson | Mathematics KLA Leader