Middle School Mathematics
The teachers and staff at ISK strive to support students to become proficient users of the language of Mathematics and to use it as a way of thinking rather than seeing it as a series of facts and equations to be memorized. In line with our Mission and Vision Statement, it is our belief that promoting equity across the curriculum by differentiating instruction, using assessment to inform our teaching and creating the best possible learning environment develops enquiry and curiosity across all grade levels. These principles equip students with the mathematical skills they will need for life in a modern, technological society.
Students at ISK learn:
The knowledge, skills and understanding which students gain through their study of Mathematics can be regarded in terms of:
These branches of Mathematics encompass the following IMYC Mathematics Learning Goals as shown below.
MATHEMATICS MILEPOST 4
Students will:
Using Mathematics
4.1 Know examples of how mathematics is used in everyday life and by whom
4.2 Be able to apply mathematics in real life situations
Numbers and Algebra
4.3 Be able to solve problems using fractions, decimals and percentages
4.4 Be able to represent quantitative relationships using ratios and proportions
4.5 Be able to use exponential, scientific and calculator notation
4.6 Be able to solve problems using prime numbers, factors, prime factorisation and multiples
4.7 Be able to simplify computations involving integers, fractions and decimals using the associative and commutative properties of addition and multiplication
4.8 Be able to use tables, graphs, words and symbolic representations to represent and analyse general patterns of data, particularly linear relationships
4.9 Be able to identify and differentiate linear and non-linear functions from equations, tables and graphs
4.10 Be able to solve problems using algebraic representation
Measurement and Geometry
4.11 Know how to describe and classify two- and three-dimensional objects
4.12 Know formulas that represent geometric shapes
4.13 Be able to present deductive arguments using congruence, similarity and Pythagoras’ theorem
4.14 Be able to represent geometric shapes using coordinate geometry
4.15 Be able to use transformations to move, reorientate and adjust the size of geometric objects
4.16 Be able to use formulas that represent geometric shapes
4.17 Be able to determine the area of complex shapes
4.18 Develop an understanding of the relationships between angles, length of sides, perimeter, area and volume for similar objects
4.19 Develop an understanding of the relationships between two- and three-dimensional objects
Statistics
4.20 Know the measures of centre and spread for statistical data
4.21 Be able to develop a study to collect data in relation to two characteristics
4.22 Be able to select and create an appropriate graphical representation of data to suit a particular situation and audience
4.23 Be able to interpret statistical data, including graphic representation
4.24 Be able to interpret a situation using proportionality or probability
Assessment
Students have a written assessment at the end of each unit of work (approximately every 3-4 weeks) to assess the students’ knowledge and skills. Upon completion of a unit assessment, each student in the class will complete a reflection analysis sheet that allows them to review the learning targets from the unit and judge their progress within these targets. This sheet will be sent home for parents to sign and is designed to inform parents about the learning targets covered in the unit and the next steps that their child wishes to take to progress. Parents may also wish to use these targets as part of their child’s home learning to further consolidate their skills. External standardised assessments are also administered in Mathematics to determine each student’s level and strengths. Please see the External Assessment section on the Curriculum Overview page for further information.
Home Learning
Students will also be issued with a Home Learning book appropriate to their level and students will be issued with one main assignment per week. This will either be a written piece, an online task or a task of a more investigative nature. This work is designed to reinforce what is being learned in class. In addition to the main task, students are expected to work on some Mental Maths each evening.
In the week prior to a unit assessment, older students in the Middle Years may not have directed home learning tasks but rather should be using their in class reflection to best judge the learning targets that they wish to consolidate at home. They will be provided with a selection of resources from their current workbooks, as well as from online sources to aid them in this consolidation. During this time period, students are invited to discuss their progress with their Mathematics teacher and highlight any areas of concern they may have so that suitable support can be provided.
Mental Maths
Each student will be provided with a Mental Maths book appropriate for his/her mathematical level. The purpose of Mental Maths is to build on the student's current level and to improve their mental calculations, question the students on a range of topics (as we focus on one main unit at a time in class) and to develop students' independent skills. The students may encounter new concepts and are encouraged to research these or see their teacher if they require assistance. For Books E, F and G, answers are provided at the back of the book. For Books 1, 2 and 3, answers will be put up on their Maths Google Classroom page.
The teachers and staff at ISK strive to support students to become proficient users of the language of Mathematics and to use it as a way of thinking rather than seeing it as a series of facts and equations to be memorized. In line with our Mission and Vision Statement, it is our belief that promoting equity across the curriculum by differentiating instruction, using assessment to inform our teaching and creating the best possible learning environment develops enquiry and curiosity across all grade levels. These principles equip students with the mathematical skills they will need for life in a modern, technological society.
Students at ISK learn:
- To make connections between what they learn and their everyday life
- Basic mathematical skills
- Mathematical language
- To apply what they learn to practical situations
- To reflect on their own mathematical activities and check the accuracy of their results
- To recognise and using relationships, rules, patterns and structures
- To describe the strategies of investigation and reasoning in their own words
The knowledge, skills and understanding which students gain through their study of Mathematics can be regarded in terms of:
- Using mathematics
- Numbers and algebra
- Measurement and geometry
- Statistics
These branches of Mathematics encompass the following IMYC Mathematics Learning Goals as shown below.
MATHEMATICS MILEPOST 4
Students will:
Using Mathematics
4.1 Know examples of how mathematics is used in everyday life and by whom
4.2 Be able to apply mathematics in real life situations
Numbers and Algebra
4.3 Be able to solve problems using fractions, decimals and percentages
4.4 Be able to represent quantitative relationships using ratios and proportions
4.5 Be able to use exponential, scientific and calculator notation
4.6 Be able to solve problems using prime numbers, factors, prime factorisation and multiples
4.7 Be able to simplify computations involving integers, fractions and decimals using the associative and commutative properties of addition and multiplication
4.8 Be able to use tables, graphs, words and symbolic representations to represent and analyse general patterns of data, particularly linear relationships
4.9 Be able to identify and differentiate linear and non-linear functions from equations, tables and graphs
4.10 Be able to solve problems using algebraic representation
Measurement and Geometry
4.11 Know how to describe and classify two- and three-dimensional objects
4.12 Know formulas that represent geometric shapes
4.13 Be able to present deductive arguments using congruence, similarity and Pythagoras’ theorem
4.14 Be able to represent geometric shapes using coordinate geometry
4.15 Be able to use transformations to move, reorientate and adjust the size of geometric objects
4.16 Be able to use formulas that represent geometric shapes
4.17 Be able to determine the area of complex shapes
4.18 Develop an understanding of the relationships between angles, length of sides, perimeter, area and volume for similar objects
4.19 Develop an understanding of the relationships between two- and three-dimensional objects
Statistics
4.20 Know the measures of centre and spread for statistical data
4.21 Be able to develop a study to collect data in relation to two characteristics
4.22 Be able to select and create an appropriate graphical representation of data to suit a particular situation and audience
4.23 Be able to interpret statistical data, including graphic representation
4.24 Be able to interpret a situation using proportionality or probability
Assessment
Students have a written assessment at the end of each unit of work (approximately every 3-4 weeks) to assess the students’ knowledge and skills. Upon completion of a unit assessment, each student in the class will complete a reflection analysis sheet that allows them to review the learning targets from the unit and judge their progress within these targets. This sheet will be sent home for parents to sign and is designed to inform parents about the learning targets covered in the unit and the next steps that their child wishes to take to progress. Parents may also wish to use these targets as part of their child’s home learning to further consolidate their skills. External standardised assessments are also administered in Mathematics to determine each student’s level and strengths. Please see the External Assessment section on the Curriculum Overview page for further information.
Home Learning
Students will also be issued with a Home Learning book appropriate to their level and students will be issued with one main assignment per week. This will either be a written piece, an online task or a task of a more investigative nature. This work is designed to reinforce what is being learned in class. In addition to the main task, students are expected to work on some Mental Maths each evening.
In the week prior to a unit assessment, older students in the Middle Years may not have directed home learning tasks but rather should be using their in class reflection to best judge the learning targets that they wish to consolidate at home. They will be provided with a selection of resources from their current workbooks, as well as from online sources to aid them in this consolidation. During this time period, students are invited to discuss their progress with their Mathematics teacher and highlight any areas of concern they may have so that suitable support can be provided.
Mental Maths
Each student will be provided with a Mental Maths book appropriate for his/her mathematical level. The purpose of Mental Maths is to build on the student's current level and to improve their mental calculations, question the students on a range of topics (as we focus on one main unit at a time in class) and to develop students' independent skills. The students may encounter new concepts and are encouraged to research these or see their teacher if they require assistance. For Books E, F and G, answers are provided at the back of the book. For Books 1, 2 and 3, answers will be put up on their Maths Google Classroom page.
