It is always a surprise how quickly the academic year passes. These thoughts come to mind as we farewell our Year 12 Mathematics students and wish them well for their upcoming examinations and their future studies.

The year is quite intense; we must cover all of the study design and also help the girls master both their skills by hand and when using their CAS calculator. That is probably one of the biggest changes I have seen in the teaching of Mathematics during my career as a teacher. The introduction of the CAS has meant the questions that are now asked are much more sophisticated and require a lot of analysis. This is because the Algebra, Calculus and other mathematical skills can be perfectly handled using technology. This might sound as though the courses would be easier, but it has meant the girls must know how to use the calculator efficiently and accurately as well as interpret the questions. In addition, in both Methods and Specialist, the skills by hand are examined in a separate hour long technology free exam.

The teaching staff in the Mathematics Faculty assist the girls master their skills by hand and when using their CAS calculator.

Whilst the classes for Year 12 have finished, we are still seeing many of the girls in one-on-one sessions to discuss any questions they have. They have been provided with a large number of both Commercial and Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority examinations that they are now working through to get used to the style of questioning they are likely to see in three weeks’ time. This helps them become familiar with types of questions so they are more comfortable selecting the optimum solution technique they should use.

The rest of the year levels are all still working through new material, but are also completing homework tasks that are helping them prepare for the end of year examinations. Past exam papers, ‘LUIS’ (an acronym for Let Us Improve our Skills) and set assignments are all designed to help the girls recognise what they need to know for the final exams. It is always a stressful time, but the girls have plenty of support at school with Maths Help each lunchtime (except Thursdays), and their teachers are always available for private meetings.