Term 1 - Mathematics Learning Area

In Year 11 at Ellesmere College we run three different courses.

• MAT110 with a focus on improving statistics, algebra, graphing and trigonometry skills.

• MAT120 with a focus on improving statistics,number and algebra skills.

• MAT130 with a focus on improving numerical skills for numeracy and everyday finance.

A focus for all students in Year 11 is to gain the numeracy requirement of NCEA and the knowledge and understanding to progress in their mathematical study in Year 12. Some students have already met the numeracy requirement in Year 10 through being part of the Numeracy Common Assessment Activity pilot.

In MAT110 (taught by Ms Siderenko) and MAT120 (currently being taught by Ms Morton and Mrs Toohey, then Ms Raj), the students have been investigation bivariate data relationships. They are working on completing an investigation on a given problem by working as a small group to plan and collect data, independently analysing (using online tools) the data and forming conclusions. To help develop these skills, students have been investigating the relationship between the rotoblade length of paper helicopters and the time they take to fall to the ground. It has been pleasing to see they have connected this investigation to the mahi they have done in Science on rotohelicopters. .