Mathematics Report 2002

The mathematics department is one of the largest in the school with all learners taking mathematics as a subject from Grade 8 to Grade 12. The grade 8,9 and 10 have eight 55-minute periods in a two-week cycle and Grades 11 and 12 have nine 55-minute periods. Additional mathematics is offered as a seventh subject. Functional mathematics for Grade 12 was re-introduced at the beginning of 2001 on an attempt to aid those who have difficulty with mathematics. Judging from results thus far this has been a success, with all learners passing.

In grade 8 and 9 an OBE approach to teaching mathematics has been introduced with some cross-curricular work but in the light of uncertainty with what follows an emphasis has been kept on content. In Grade 9 (and in Grade 8) the learners are taught the basics in Algebra and Geometry which they will require in their senior years at school. There are a few variations to this. For example, the Grade 9 learners do an introductory section of statistics in which they do an assignment where they collect and analyse data. The external CTA (common task for assessment) was introduced in 2002 for the first time to the Grade 9