Acceleration and Extension Opportunities

YEAR 9 – ACCELERATED MATHEMATICS PROGRAM

Selection Criteria            

Selection to the Accelerated Mathematics Program is strictly by invitation from the SPX Mathematics Department. Selection is based on a proven record of high achievement and application in Mathematics plus high achievement across all subjects, competitions, NAPLAN and teacher recommendation. The optimal Accelerated Mathematics class size is 10-12 students but a larger cohort may be considered.

Accelerated Mathematics Student Attributes    

  • Self-motivation
  • Developmentally ready
  • Mature work ethic
  • Passion for Mathematics
  • Suitable for acceleration
  • Independent worker
  • Ability to manage a high work load
  • High level of Mathematical knowledge and skills

Discontinuance

  • The College may, at any time, withdraw an invitation to be part of the Accelerated Mathematics Program through a student’s demonstrated lack of application and/or consistently poor performance.
  • A student and/or his parents may elect to discontinue participation in the Accelerated Mathematics Program at any time.

In either case the student will revert to an appropriate course and class within his academic cohort.

Workload

  • Students should expect at least 45 minutes of Mathematics homework per day.

 

Course Structure

Year 9: Students attempt Stage 5 – Year 9 and 10 courses. Students complete the entire Stage 5 course in one year (5.2/5.3 Course pathway). Compression not omission. Possibility the 100 hour elective will be used for Mathematics.

Approximately 15 Mathematics periods per 10 day timetable cycle.

Year 10: Students attempt the Stage 6 – Year 11 Mathematics Extension 1 course and Mathematics Advanced course. (New HSC Courses)

To facilitate the Preliminary HSC courses one of the students 200 hour electives will be Mathematics.

Approximately 15 Mathematics periods per 10 day timetable cycle.

Year 11: Students attempt the Stage 6 – HSC Year Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Advanced courses, and sit the HSC examinations in October that year.

Following the HSC Examinations, Students must attempt the first Year 12 assessment task for both the 2021 HSC Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Advanced courses. This is to ensure that should a student elect to repeat either or both of these courses in Year 12, that he has completed all HSC course assessment tasks. (Note: HSC courses commence in Term 4 and HSC results are not issued until after the end of the academic year, usually in mid-December).

 

Year 12: Students may elect to:

  • Accept HSC results from 2021 examinations and study no Mathematics in Year 12. This is one of the main aims of acceleration. If a student considers that he will need to repeat then he should not accelerate.
  • Accept HSC results from 2021 examinations and progress to completing the Mathematics Extension 2 course – This course work would begin in Term 4, 2021. This is another main of acceleration; to give students the requisite skills to successfully complete the Mathematics Extension 2 course.
  • Attempt Mathematics Extension 2 and repeat Mathematics Extension 1.
  • Accept Mathematics Advanced HSC result and repeat Mathematics Extension 1 course only – students must also repeat Mathematics Advanced coursework, but not take examinations.
  • Accept Mathematics Extension 1 HSC result and repeat Mathematics Advanced course.

 

Assessment

Year 9: Students attempt Year 10 Core (5.2 Course pathway) and Extension (5.3 Course pathway) assessment tasks.

Year 10: Students receive a Year 11 Assessment Handbook and attempt all Year 11 Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Advanced course assessment tasks.

Year 11: Students receive a HSC Course Assessment Handbook and attempt Year 12 Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Advanced course assessment tasks.

The HSC Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Advanced examinations are sat at in October 2021.

 

Reporting

Year 9:  In-line with normal Year 9 reports at the end of Semester 1 and 2.

Year 10 Core (5.2 Course) and Extension (5.3 Course) marks will be recorded and reported on separately.

Students, at the completion of the Stage 5 course, are allocated a grade in Mathematics for a Board of Studies Record of School Achievement Credential (RoSA).
Year 10:  Students receive standard Year 10 semester reports for all subjects except Mathematics.

Mathematics is reported in-line with Year 11 reports separately for both Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Advanced courses:

  • End of Term 1 – Interim Preliminary HSC Year course report
  • End of Term 3 – End of Preliminary HSC Year course report

Year 11:  Students receive standard Year 11 semester reports for all subjects except Mathematics. Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Advanced are reported on separately:

  • Early in Term 2 – Mid HSC Course report
  • Late in Term 3 – End of HSC Course report

 

Enrichment and extension opportunities are also offered through the following activities:

  • Music
  • Robotics
  • Coding Club
  • Premiers Reading Challenge
  • Visiting Author Workshops (Junior School)
  • DaVinci Decathalon
  • Debating and Public Speaking

 

Extension Classes in Stage 6

  • Science
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • English
  • Music
  • Applied Philosophy Elective class in Stage 5