Overview of Faculty
The Mathematics faculty at Penrith Selective High School provides an academic, supportive environment sharing their passion for mathematics to allow students to achieve to their highest level. Our Mathematics courses aim to create confidence and enjoyment in doing mathematical activities. By studying mathematics, students develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical concepts. Students develop an awareness of how mathematics can be used to solve problems in everyday life.
In Years 7 and 8 we provide problem solving activities fortnightly during class time. Students are also provided with opportunities to develop their interest in Mathematics through activities such as the Australian Mathematics Competition, the Australasian Problem Solving Olympiad, and the Enrichment Stage of the Mathematics Challenge. For the high achievers we also offer Olympiad classes and the opportunity to participate in the Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad, the Australian Mathematics Olympiad as well as the University of New South Wales Mathematics Competition. A number of students are then able to participate in the Olympiad schools and the National Mathematics Summer School. We also offer the Computational and Algorithmic Competition and the Australian Informatics Olympiad for those students who are proficient in Python and C++.
Courses offered
In Years 7 to 10 students follow the mandatory Mathematics syllabus with Year 9 and 10 completing the stage 5.3 advanced course which consists of the following strands:
Number and algebra
Measurement and geometry
Statistics and probability
In Years 11 and 12, the study of Mathematics is optional. The courses offered are:
Mathematics Advanced (from 2019)
Mathematics Extension 1
Mathematics Extension 2
Key Excursions and Learning Opportunities
Maths IT Day at UWS (Kingswood campus)
Competitions
AMC (compulsory for Years 7 to 10)
APSMO (all of Years 7 and 8)
UNSW Maths
AMO
AIMO
CAT
AIO
Co-curricular Opportunities
Euler Enrichment
Gauss Enrichment
Noether Enrichment
All taught before school.
Primary School Peer Tutoring
Peer Tutoring
The Mathematics faculty works closely with the PSHS wellbeing team to meet the learning needs of all students through extra support and differentiated programs. We offer support to students who struggle with Mathematics due to gaps in their learning through Peer Tutoring. Peer tutoring is coordinated by the Head Teacher of Mathematics. It is a program where students from Years 10 and 11 volunteer to help students in any year. This operates during recess or lunch in the mathematics classrooms.
Further details about additional opportunities for students
The staff of each faculty are highly involved in running and supporting student leaders to lead a wide variety of co-curricular, enrichment, clubs & societies as part of the school's strong commitment to talent development opportunities. These programs also play a key part of ensuring that students work alongside not only their classmates, but with other like minded students from across the 6 cohorts within the school.
For more details about Co-Curricular and Enrichment, please click here
For more details about Clubs and Societies, please click here