Mathematics

Introduction

The Mathematics Department is one of the central departments to a student’s education at Auckland Grammar School. Students in each year are divided by form level depending on their attainment. High-attaining students are placed in the accelerated programme, which consist of the top two or three classes in Forms 3 through to Form 7.

Form 4

Prerequisites: Form 3 Mathematics.

Course description/aims: The course aims to revise and develop the basics of Form 3 work in the expectation of getting close to Pre-Q and NCEA Level 1 standard, especially in Algebra, so that the students are well prepared for Mathematics after Pre-Q and NCEA Level 1. This course is an introduction course to Pre-Q and the work covered consolidates the essential skills required to continue with Pre-Q Mathematics. Learning these key skills and tools are essential for progressing to Pre-Q.

Course outline: The Form 4 Mathematics course reinforces and extends Form 3 work in Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry. New topics include:

Linear and quadratic relations and their graphs
Simultaneous equations
Right-angled triangle trigonometry
Transformation geometry with enlargement/similarity
Graphs of trig functions
Statistics
Probability
Symmetry and Constructions

Methods of assessment: Common tests and three School examinations.

Special equipment and costs: A calculator, a ruler, protractor and a compass. Costs will only occur if students enter competitions. Optional cost – the continuation of Maths Buddy. All Form 4 students are encouraged to continue with their subscription.

Continuation of subject: The course leads on to Form 5 Pre-Q Mathematics and ultimately to Form 7 Cambridge A2 or NCEA Level 3 courses.

Form 5 (NCEA Level 1)

Prerequisites: Form 3 and 4 Mathematics with students primarily from 4P and 4R selected to study this course.

Recommended achievement levels:

Students with a mark of 35% or more in the final Form 4 examination have an appropriate achievement level to study Form 5 NCEA and gain Numeracy
Students with a mark between 25-35% in the final Form 4 examination may find aspects of Form 5 NCEA challenging
Students with a mark below 25% in the final Form 4 examination may find the Form 5 NCEA course difficult

Course description/aims: The aim of the course is to introduce and develop basic mathematical skills, concepts, and understanding in the Mathematical strands of Processes, Number, Measurement, Geometry, Algebra and Statistics. The course objectives are that the candidate will be expected to:

Apply mathematical skills, concepts, and understandings in real and simulated problems
Demonstrate the ability to select and use appropriate mathematical techniques in problem solving
Demonstrate the ability to reason logically and systematically
Demonstrate the ability to communicate mathematical ideas

Upon the successful completion of the course of study, students may study Form 6 NCEA Level 2 Mathematics. However, for some students, this is a terminating course and will provide credits towards Numeracy only.

Course outline: This subject is a 10 credit + Numeracy course.

Externally assessed Standards – examination and marked externally:

1.3 – Interpret and apply mathematical and statistical information in context
1.4 – Demonstrate mathematical reasoning

A total of 10 credits in Numeracy in the September examination session.

The Course Outline:

Term 1 – Numeracy (Topics Number, Measurement, Geometry, Basic Statistics)
Term 2 – Work on Standards 1.4 and Numeracy
Term 3 – Work on Standards 1.3 and Numeracy
Term 4 – Revision of 1.4 [External]

Special equipment and costs: A protractor, compasses, ruler, and a scientific calculator of about Casio fx-standard. A graphical calculator (Casio fx-9750G PLUS) is permissible and highly recommended. Achievement Standard Workbooks may be required for purchase (approximately $45).

Continuation of subject: This subject is a terminating course. However, a successful completion of the course may give students an opportunity to proceed with Mathematics courses on offer at Form 6 NCEA Level 2 at the discretion of the Head of Department. To be considered for Level 2 Mathematics, students must successfully complete the External standards totalling 10 credits. An opportunity to complete the numeracy co-requisite will be given during the Form 6 NCEA Level 2 year.

Form 5 (Pre-Q Advanced)

Prerequisites: Forms 3 and 4 Mathematics. Students need to perform above 50% in Form 4.

Course description/aims: The aim of the course is to introduce and develop basic mathematical skills, concepts, and understandings in the Mathematical Processes, Number, Measurement, Geometry, Algebra and Statistics curriculum strands. This course will prepare students for the Pre-Q Mathematics Advanced examination.

Apply mathematical skills, concepts, and understandings to familiar and unfamiliar problems arising in real and simulated situations
Demonstrate the ability to select and use appropriate mathematical techniques in problem solving
Demonstrate the ability to reason logically and systematically
Demonstrate the ability to communicate mathematical ideas

At the conclusion of this course of study, students will be well prepared to continue their studies in Cambridge AS Mathematics.

Course outline: Topics covered will include:

Number
Algebra and graphs
Geometry
Mensuration
Co-ordinate Geometry
Trigonometry
Vectors
An introduction to Calculus
Probability
Statistics

Methods of assessment: Students presenting for the Pre-Q Mathematics Advanced will be assessed on the basis of a single final examination in Term 4.

Special equipment and costs: A protractor, compass, ruler, and a scientific calculator of about Casio FX- standard. Casio fx-991ES or fx-115ES are recommended (no graphical calculators are permitted).

Continuation of subject: The successful completion of the course will prepare students well for the courses on offer at Forms 6 and 7, Cambridge and NCEA courses.

Form 5 (Pre-Q Core)

Prerequisites: Form 3 and 4 Mathematics. Students need to perform between 35% and 50% in Form 4.

Course description/aims: The aim of the course is to introduce and develop basic mathematical skills, concepts, and understanding in the Mathematical strands of Processes, Number, Measurement, Geometry, Algebra and Statistics. This course will prepare students for the Pre-Q Mathematics Core examination. The course objectives are that the candidate will be expected to:

Apply mathematical skills, concepts, and understandings in real and simulated problems
Demonstrate the ability to select and use appropriate mathematical techniques in problem solving
Demonstrate the ability to reason logically and systematically
Demonstrate the ability to communicate mathematical ideas

At the successful conclusion of the course of study, students will be well prepared to continue their studies in NCEA Level 2 Mathematics.

Course outline: Topics covered will include:

Number
Algebra and graphs
Geometry
Mensuration
Co-ordinate Geometry
Trigonometry
Vectors
An introduction to Calculus
Probability
Statistics

Methods of assessments: Students will be assessed on the basis of a single final examination in Term 4. Students will also complete three internally assessed NCEA Level 1 standards during the year, worth a total of 10 credits.

Special equipment and costs: A protractor, compasses, ruler, and a scientific calculator of about Casio fx-standard. Permissible calculators are Casio fx-991ES and fx-115ES (no graphical calculators are permitted).

Continuation of subject: The successful completion of the course will prepare students for all Mathematics courses on offer at NCEA Levels at Forms 6 and 7.

Form 6 (NCEA Level 2)

Prerequisites: Students should have gained a minimum of 10 credits in NCEA Level 1 or Pre-Q Core.

Course description/aims: The aim of the NCEA Level 2 Mathematics course is to introduce and develop basic mathematical skills, concepts, and understanding in the Mathematical Processes, Number, Measurement, Geometry, Algebra and Statistics curriculum strands.

This course will serve as an introduction to the NCEA Level 3 Mathematics courses offered in Form 7.

Students will be expected to:

Apply mathematical skills, concepts, and understandings to familiar and unfamiliar problems arising in real and simulated situations
Demonstrate the ability to select and use appropriate mathematical techniques in problem solving
Demonstrate the ability to reason logically and systematically
Demonstrate the ability to communicate mathematical ideas

Course outline: The course content will include six to eight topics, to be selected from the list below:

Systems of equations
Simulations
Networks
Questionnaires
Co-ordinate Geometry
Inference
Graphical methods
Algebra
Graphs
Probability and Statistics
Calculus
Trigonometry

Methods of assessment: The NCEA Level 2 Mathematics course is assessed by internal and external Achievement Standards. A common testing programme will operate throughout the year and there will be three School examinations.

Students will also be assessed by internal Achievement Standards as Common Assessment Tasks (CATs) to be selected from the following list:

2.1 – Apply co-ordinate geometry methods in solving problems [2 Credits]
2.2 – Apply graphical models in solving problems [4 Credits]
2.4 – Apply trigonometric relationships in solving problems [3 Credits]
2.5 – Apply network methods in solving problems [2 Credits]
2.8 – Design a questionnaire [3 Credits]
2.9 – Use statistical methods to make an inference [4 Credits]
2.13 – Investigate a situation involving elements of chance using a simulation [2 Credits]
2.14 – Apply systems of equations in solving problems [2 Credits]

Students presenting for NCEA Level 2 Mathematics will be assessed on the basis of a three-hour external examination. This examination will contain three booklets, each one examining an externally examined Achievement Standard as follows:

2.6 – Apply algebraic methods in solving problems [4 Credits]
2.7 – Apply calculus methods in solving problems [5 Credits]
2.12 – Apply probability methods in solving problems [4 Credits]

Special equipment and costs: A protractor, compass, ruler and a scientific calculator of about Casio FX-standard. A graphical calculator (Casio fx-9750G PLUS) is permissible and highly recommended. Achievement Standard Workbooks may be required for purchase (approximately $50).

Continuation of subject: Successful completion of this course will prepare students for NCEA Level 3 Mathematics courses offered at Form 7.

Form 6 (AS)

Recent experience shows that Pre-Q Mathematics provides good preparation for Cambridge AS Mathematics.

Prerequisites:

Students with a mark of 55% in Pre-Q Advancing Mathematics are capable of scoring at least a C grade in Cambridge AS Level
The majority of students scoring between 45% and 55% in Pre-Q Advancing Mathematics continue on to Cambridge AS Level and pass, achieving the University Entrance Numeracy requirement in Form 6

Cambridge AS Mathematics in Form 6 is also available to students who have studied Pre-Q Core Mathematics.

Course description/aims: The aim of the course is to introduce and develop basic mathematical skills, concepts, and understandings in the Mathematical Processes, Number, Measurement, Geometry, Algebra and Statistics curriculum strands. This course will cover all aspects of the Cambridge AS course and will serve as an introduction to A2 Pure Mathematics, Statistics or Mechanics courses. The course objectives are that candidates will be expected to:

Apply mathematical skills, concepts, and understandings to familiar and unfamiliar problems arising in real and simulated situations
Demonstrate the ability to select and use appropriate mathematical techniques in problem solving
Demonstrate the ability to reason logically and systematically
Demonstrate the ability to communicate mathematical ideas

Course outline:

Algebra (surds and indices)
Graphs
Quadratic equations
Functions and notations
Binomial expansion
Statistics I (data display and graphs)
Arrangements (perms and combs)
Co-ordinate Geometry
Calculus I (differentiation)
Trigonometry I (radians and circular measure)
Trigonometry II (graphs, identities and equations)
Probability
Calculus II (integration)
Random variables
Normal distribution
Sequences and series

Methods of assessment: A common testing programme will exist throughout the year. Students will also sit three examinations:

Term 1 progress examination [1 hour]
Term 2 examination [2 hours]
Term 3 final examination [3 hours]

Students presenting for AS Mathematics will be assessed on the basis of two external examinations:

Paper P1 9709/ [1 hour, 50 mins] – Pure Mathematics paper sat in late October/early November
Paper S1 9709/5 [1 hour, 15 mins] – Statistics paper sat in late October/early November

Special equipment and costs: A protractor, compass, ruler, and a scientific calculator of about Casio FX- standard (Casio fx-991ES Plus is recommended).

Continuation of subject: The course will prepare students well for all the Cambridge courses on offer at Form 7.

Form 7 (NCEA Level 3)

Prerequisites: The NCEA Level 3 Maths course is differentiated. Students will be placed in the appropriate class, based on performances in NCEA Level 2 courses. It is possible to combine Form 7 Level 3 Mathematics and Form 7 Statistics courses.

Course description/aims: All classes will provide students with a solid grounding in mathematical skills, concepts and understanding in the Mathematical Processes, Number, Measurement, Geometry, Algebra and Statistics curriculum strands.

Most students will study courses that prepare them for university-level courses requiring a mixture of Algebra, Probability and Calculus. Level 3 Mathematics students will be expected to:

Apply mathematical skills, concepts, and understandings to familiar and unfamiliar problems arising in real and simulated situations
Demonstrate the ability to select and use appropriate mathematical techniques in problem-solving
Demonstrate the ability to reason logically and systematically
Demonstrate the ability to communicate mathematical ideas

Course outline: The course will include five to six topics to be selected from the below:

Conics
Linear programming
Trigonometry
Algebra and complex numbers
Differentiation
Integration
Probability distributions
Simultaneous equations
Systems of equations
Time series
Bivariate data
Inference
Critical paths analysis

Methods of assessment: The NCEA Level 3 Mathematics course is assessed by internal and external Achievement Standards. Class tests and a common testing programme will operate throughout the year, along with three School examinations. Grades will be determined by:

91573 – Apply the geometry of conic sections in solving problems [Term 3]
91574 – Apply linear programming methods in solving problems [3 Credits, Internal]
91575 – Apply trigonometric methods in solving problems [Term 2]
91576 – Use critical path analysis in solving problems [2 Credits, Internal]
91580 – Investigate time series data [4 Credits, Internal]
91581 – Investigate bivariate measurement data [4 Credits, Internal]
91582 – Use statistical methods to make an inference [4 Credits, Internal]
91587 – Apply systems of simultaneous equations in solving problems [3 Credits, Internal]
91577 – Apply algebra of complex numbers in solving problems [External]
91578 – Apply differentiation methods in solving problems [External]
91579 – Apply integration methods in solving problems [External]
91586 – Apply probability distributions in solving problems [External]

Special equipment and costs: A scientific or graphical calculator (a graphical calculator is highly recommended). Achievement Standard Workbooks may be required for purchase (approximately $45).

Form 7 (NCEA Level 3 Statistics)

Prerequisites: NCEA Level 2 Mathematics with Achievement Standards 2.6 (Algebra) and 2.12 (Probability).

Recommended achievement levels:

Students averaging over 70% in the final Form 6 Mathematics School examination (or Merits in the above Achievement Standards) have an appropriate achievement level to study Form 7 Statistics
Students averaging 40-70% in the final Form 6 Mathematics School examinations (or Achieved in the above Achievement Standards) and achieved above 50% or above in English should cope but may find aspects difficult
Students averaging less than 40% in Form 6 Mathematics School examinations and scored less than 50% in English may struggle and will be encouraged to do Mathematics – General next year

Course description/aims: Students taking this course should consider taking the Form 7 Mathematics with Calculus alongside. The course is not heavy in Algebra but will still give students the ability to achieve an NCEA Level 3 Mathematics Subject Endorsement. This course is intended for students moving on to university Engineering and Medicine Faculties next year but will cover key skills for other Faculties. The course will provide students with a solid base of mathematics with statistical skills for their tertiary Mathematics education.

With the standards covered in this course, there is an expectation of good report writing skills.

The general aim of this course is to introduce and develop essential mathematical skills, concepts, and understandings in the Mathematical Processes, Number, Measurement, Algebra and Statistics curriculum strands to advance with mathematics the following year at a tertiary institution. It is permissible for a student to do both Form 7 Mathematics with Calculus and Form 7 Statistics courses.

Course outline: The main areas of study are:

3.2 – Linear Programming [3 Credits, Internal]
3.8 – Time Series [4 Credits, Internal]
3.10 – Inference [4 Credits, Internal]
3.13 – Probability Concepts [4 Credits, External]
3.14 – Probability Distributions [4 Credits, External]
3.15 – Simultaneous Equations [3 Credits, Internal]

Methods of assessment: Class/common tests plus three School examinations in Terms 1, 2 and 3.

Special equipment and costs: A scientific calculator or graphical calculator (a graphical calculator is highly recommended). Achievement Standard Workbooks may be required for purchase (approximately $45).

Form 7 (A2)

Prerequisites: Students must have gained passes in Cambridge AS (Pure Mathematics 1) and Cambridge AS (Statistics 1).

Recommended achievement levels:

Students with A or B grades from Cambridge AS Mathematics have an appropriate achievement level to continue for a full A level qualification doing the Pure Mathematics (P3) and Statistics (S2) course
Students with C or D grades from Cambridge AS Mathematics may find aspects of Pure Mathematics (P3) and Statistics (S2) course difficult
Students with a D grade from Cambridge AS Mathematics will find aspects of the Pure Mathematics (P3) and Statistics (S2) course difficult and are recommended to do the Pure Mathematics (P3) and may be directed to do the Mechanics (M1) course
Students with a grade lower than a D will find A2 too difficult and should consider repeating Cambridge AS or opting for another subject

Course description/aims: The aim of the course is to introduce and develop a range of mathematical skills, particularly mathematics in context, and to develop an understanding of mathematical principles in the areas of Number, Measurement, Geometry, Algebra and Statistics curriculum strands.

Course outline:

Pure Mathematics/Statistics course [P3 (Paper 3)/S2 course (Paper 6)]:

Algebra
Trigonometry
Calculus
Vectors
Complex numbers
Differential equations
Random variables
Distributions
Sampling
Estimation
Hypothesis testing

Pure Mathematics/Mechanics course [P3 (Paper 3)/M12 course (Paper 4)]:

Algebra
Trigonometry
Calculus
Vectors
Complex numbers
Numerical methods
Differential equations
Forces and equilibrium
Kinematics
Newton’s Law of Motion and Energy
Work and power

Methods of assessment: Common tests and three examinations in Terms 1, 2 and 3. Students presenting for Cambridge A2 Mathematics will be assessed on the basis of two external examinations:

Paper P3 9709/03 [1 hour, 45 mins] / Paper S2 9709/07 [1 hour, 15 mins]
Paper P3 9709/03 [1 hour, 50 mins] / Paper M 9709/04 [1 hour, 15 mins]

Special equipment and costs: A scientific calculator of about Casio FX standard (Casio fx-991ES is recommended).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our staff today.

Mathematics

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