Iona Presentation College

The Mathematics Department at Iona believes that each student should feel comfortable studying mathematics and that learning mathematics should be an enjoyable experience for all. For this reason, a variety of courses is offered.

In Year 7, mathematics classes are largely unstreamed, with all students studying the same course. This means that students are not graded on the basis of their very different Primary School experiences and it allows students a chance to settle into High School before any streaming occurs.

Years 8, 9 and 10 students are divided into three streams: Advanced, Standard and General. The students in the General classes may elect to study a vocational Mathematics course in Year 11 and students in other classes can chose from the range of WACE courses.

The Advanced Course in Years 9 and 10 caters well for gifted students. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in competitions such as the Australian Mathematics Competition, Have Sum Fun Mathematics Competition, Maths Talent Search, Math-O-Quest, The Maths Challenge for Young Australians.

The use of technology is considered an essential component in the study of mathematics. CAS calculators were introduced into the Senior School in 2009 and staff and students alike have embraced the changes brought about by this technology. Students are also given the opportunity to incorporate the use of computers into their study of mathematics. The use of spreadsheets is covered in all Lower School and vocational mathematics classes.

Maths Week is celebrated at Iona every year, early in term three. A theme is chosen for the week and a library display is organized. Some of the previous themes include the Olympic Games, the ‘Old’ and the ‘New’, where the students looked at the old currency and the Imperial System of measurement. Competitions are organized around the themes and students use all the resources available to them, including the Internet to gain the answers to questions.

Mathmania - This site is dedicated to helping young students and others explore some topics in higher mathematics. Topics include: graph theory, knot theory, sorting networks and finite state machines.

MathMagic - MathMagic is a K-12 telecommunications project developed in El Paso, Texas. It provides strong motivation for students to use computer technology while increasing problem-solving skills.

Education Place - A site suited for the younger student. Look for the weekly brainteaser for different age groups.

Mathsonline - A wonderful collection of games and interactive activities covering topics like algebra, number, space and data.

Ask Doctor Math - Ask Dr.Math is a world wide web and email project set up by students and staff at Swarthmore University. All topics and levels of Mathematics are covered. Do you have a mathematical question? Go to this site and find the answer. There is also a section on problems disguised as 'puzzles'.

History of Mathematics - A site that covers famous mathematicians, historical topics and curves.

Comics - An amazing number of comics with a mathematical flavour can be found on this page.

Math-gym - This site is a real favourite. Students of all ages enjoy playing the games in the Arcade.

The World of Escher - A must for an Escher fans. The shop is very tempting indeed.

The following sites provide a source of statistics that can be used to make tasks more relevant to students.