Essential Mathematics

Unit 3: Effective data handling to influence change - ‘Big Data’ Analysis

Enthusiasm has been abundant in this ‘big data’ analysis unit as students have developed their skills in the use of technology. Students have used Data Classroom, an online app that lets them do real analysis of the data collected from nearly 500 High School students this year. This culminated with the students producing a high quality written report based on a topic that interested them the most. Such headings included, ‘Do students that wear glasses achieve higher holistic grades?’ These reports were then printed and displayed and the students had the opportunity for a ‘gallery walk’ to see what others had found out and give feedback.

The students have also been extensively using their Graphic calculator (TInspire) to gain valuable exam technique practice and to be able to compare different data sets.

The students are currently working on Quadratic functions where they will learn to solve and to be able to fit a Quadratic model using regression to real life scenarios such as projectile motion. This unit has given students a feel for the power of mathematics in analysing and interpreting real data in order to influence positive change in their world.

Unit 4: Scaling Maths 4 Real Life - Proportional Reasoning

After the Spring holidays, students will start work on Unit 4. Proportional reasoning is an essential concept as it is a critical component of problem solving in many fields including finance, science, engineering and the arts. Students will be exploring proportional change with fractions, decimals and percentages by engaging in real life problems. They will learn about the history of the Metric and Imperial measures and how to convert effectively between these, as they are still used extensively in the current era. Students will also explore currency conversions in real time and the importance of research. The outcome of this unit will be a much deeper theoretical and practical understanding of proportional reasoning, with students seeing the links and connections between different areas of mathematics in order to effectively solve problems.

Course AO rubric

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