Mathematics is often called the language of the universe. It is a subject of beauty, creativity and discovery; a way of seeing the world. From patterns found in nature and music, to symmetry in art and architecture, Mathematics helps us to understand and appreciate the world around us.
At Pine Rivers State High School, the study of Mathematics delivers a pathway to opportunity, confidence and future success. Our Mathematics programs challenge students to think critically, solve real-world problems and develop the analytical skills needed in today's rapidly changing world. Whether students aspire to careers in engineering, medicine, business, technology, science, education or a trade, studying Mathematics provides the foundation for success and opens doors to a wide range of university and career pathways.
What will students learn?
The Year 7, 8 and 9 mathematics courses at Pine Rivers SHS are aligned with Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. Students will complete a course of study in the strands of Number & Algebra, Measurement & Geometry, and Probability & Statistics.
While teachers provide guidance, support, and feedback, strong emphasis is placed on students developing responsibility for their own learning through the explicit deconstruction of achievement standards within each topic, alongside regular self-evaluation and tracking of knowledge and skill development. Students will be exposed to and expected to apply a range of computational methods from mental calculation strategies through to calculator (computer) assisted calculation and problem-solving techniques. Laptops are required for all lessons to support learning, however, students are also expected to complete substantial written mathematical working in every class.
Students studying Year 10 Mathematics will enrol in preparatory subjects for Senior Mathematics. Essential and General Mathematics Preparation courses will focus on the core elements of the Australian curriculum. In Semester 2, students in the Essential program will have the opportunity to undertake the Short Course in Numeracy which allows students to meet the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) numeracy requirement.
Year 10 Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics Preparation courses will provide more challenging material beyond the standard content, focusing on deeper number theory and advanced mathematical techniques. This prepares students for a future pathway in Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics and tertiary studies.
In years 11 and 12, the department offers 4 subjects designed to cater for the range of abilities and interests of our students. The general (ATAR) subjects are General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics (elective). It must be noted that it is not possible to study Specialists Mathematics without also studying Mathematical Methods.
The fourth subject offered is Essential Mathematics which is an applied subject (non-ATAR), catering for students wishing to enhance their numeracy skills but who are not seeking tertiary studies in Mathematics.
Further Opportunities
Mathematics tutorials are available for students on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons in Room G06 from 3-4 pm. The tutorial sessions are supported by dedicated Mathematics teachers, volunteering their time to support our students.
Students are offered opportunities to be involved in Mathematics excursions and incursions, competitions, and mathematical modelling challenges.
Each term, the top two students in each year level are honoured by being named as members of the Pine Rivers Mathematics Elite Squad (PRiMES). As PRiMES, students gain opportunities to lead competition teams and have first access to exclusive enrichment experiences to deepen their understanding of mathematics beyond the classroom. PRiMES may also serve as ambassadors for Mathematics at school events, inspiring excellence, curiosity, and a passion for learning within the school community.
Carl Weller
A/Head of Department Mathematics
cwell110@eq.edu.au
07 3881 4748