Mathematics

Years 7-10

Mathematics in Years 7–10 provides students with knowledge, skills and understanding in Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability.

We offer a differentiated curriculum covering all content in the Stage 4 to Stage 5 NSW Syllabus, following the core, advanced and extension pathway. We focus on developing increasingly sophisticated and refined mathematical understanding, fluency, communication, logical reasoning, analytical thought and problem-solving skills.

These capabilities enable students to respond to familiar and unfamiliar situations by employing strategies to make informed decisions and solve problems relevant to their further education and everyday lives. At the end, students will have access to all knowledge required to study any level of the senior courses.

In year 8, an enrichment and support class are created to fully cater for our students in their mathematical journey, before the rigour of Stage 5 fully develops.

Since 2023, a group is selected to be accelerated in Stage 5 and beyond.

Years 11-12

Mathematics in Stage 6 provides opportunities for students to think mathematically and develop and engage in problem solving. Mathematical thinking is supported by an atmosphere of questioning, communicating, reasoning and reflecting and is engendered by opportunities to generalise, challenge, identify or find connections and think critically and creatively.

Sydney Technical High School currently offers four levels of senior study:

• Mathematics (Standard)
• Mathematics (Advanced)
• Mathematics Extension 1
• Mathematics Extension 2 (offered to students who meet the benchmarks required)

What is most important is that our students find themselves in the most appropriate level of Mathematics that matches their ability.

On average, half of our students obtain the highest band, and a further 47% achieve the second highest band. This is well above the state’s averages. Since 2011, Sydney Technical High School has ranked as the top school in the St George region for Mathematics.

Enrichment and competitions

The Mathematics Faculty at Sydney Technical High School prides itself on its continued successes in external academic competitions. The school continually scores highly in terms of Prizes, High Distinctions and Distinctions in the Australasia-wide Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC), whilst it has been successful in the annual Canberra Maths Day (see below) held at the Australian National University and coordinated by the Australian Mathematics Trust. This organisation is the peak body for secondary mathematics enrichment in Australia.  In recent years, we have had students achieving prizes in the AMC and as a result, have been invited to participate in the Australian Mathematics Olympiad, which could lead to representing Australia in the International Mathematics Olympiad.

Based on the Canberra Maths Day, the school runs a Year 10 and 11 Talented Mathematics Students’ Day each year. Year 8 students participate in in their own Year 8 Mathematics Day. The students are immersed in mathematical and logical thinking as they learn and utilise foundational and advanced problem solving skills. The faculty also provides fortnightly mathematical quizzes to encourage problem solving and higher order thinking. Students are encouraged to participate and are rewarded if successful. There are quizzes for all academic stages.

The Year 8 enrichment class participate in the challenging Euler program to extend their problem solving and analytical skills.

Canberra Maths Day

Each year, our top ten Mathematics students, along with accompanying teachers, head to Canberra to participate in the Maths Day held at the Australian National University (ANU).

They interact with the best mathematicians from Canberra and surrounding country towns. They have the opportunity to see the campus of ANU, one of the leading universities in Mathematics in the country.

Sydney Technical High School always performs well, and we have won this prestigious competition on several occasions.