Why Year 10 is Important
This is the first year of the Senior School. The fundamentals
for Senior Mathematics must be laid and reinforced. Without them, students' choices
in Years 11 and 12 are very limited.
I emphasise the basic Mathematics Topics:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Word problems
- Geometry
- Cartesian geometry
- Trigonometry
- Functions and curve sketching
Each topic leads on to the HSC and the students' efforts must be greatest in these
topics.
Revision in Year 10
We do a lot of revision in all classes. It seems to me to a waste of time learning
a topic, only to allow the knowledge to disappear because of lack of revision!
Each class begins with a short revision test which I mark on the board. I stress:
- How to do each question
- How to start questions - often students can complete a question, if only they could
start it
- How to get marks when you can't do a question
- General study techniques
- General exam techniques
Does the Year 10 class suit all students?
This class is for students doing the Advanced course. There are three levels in
Year 10 at school: Advanced, Intermediate and Standard. We often have students who
are doing the Intermediate course, but the majority are doing the Advanced course.
Choice of Subjects for Years 11 and 12
Usually in Term 3, Year 10 students will be asked by their school to choose which
level of Mathematics they intend doing for the HSC. The school will accept or not
accept the students' choice depending on their attitude and ability in Year 10.
It's an important year.
If I can help with an independent opinion when choices must be made, please phone
me.