Mathematics

 

Aims/Objectives

Mathematics in the Middle School aims to reinforce skills and knowledge, while also maintaining interest and enthusiasm for the subject through collaborative classwork, investigations and real-life work. The skills learnt in the elementary school are built upon and the students are prepared for high school work. In grades 6 and 7 the classes are mixed ability, and in grade 8 the classes are split into two levels and the advanced classes cover much of the IGCSE course.

Skills

Skills in numeracy, geometry, algebra and statistics are reinforced, with a focus on pattern recognition and generalizations made from these. While in middle school there is an emphasis made on understanding the basics, there is scope and opportunity to tackle investigations and challenges that will stretch an inquiring and risk-taking mind. Students will also learn IT skills utilizing spreadsheets, calculators (including the graphing calculator in grade 8) and mathematical writing software to enhance their communication skills.

Assessment

Assessment in the mathematics department naturally follows the school assessment policy and aims, at times, to provide feedback that is used to adapt the teaching and learning strategies to meet the learner's needs, and at other times is designed so that students can demonstrate their learning in authentic contexts and apply it in new ways. There are four criteria used, with a maximum achievement level attainable, which are:

1. Knowledge and understanding        (8)
2. Investigating patterns                    (8)
3. Communicating in mathematics      (6)
4. Reflection in mathematics              (6)

Middle School students are awarded the achievement level most common and recently attained level in each of the criteria.

Course Description

This can been seen more clearly in the Course Guide, however topics covered include problem solving skills, numeracy, algebra, measurement, geometry, graphing, statistics and probability.