Faculty Focus: Mathematics

As we progress into Term 3, I am delighted to share the latest updates and achievements from our Mathematics Department. It has been a remarkable journey so far, filled with inspiring moments and significant strides in our commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development.

This semester, our focus remained steadfast on enriching the mathematical experiences of our students through innovative teaching practices, real-world applications, and a supportive learning environment. We continue to prioritise critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning as the cornerstones of our curriculum, ensuring our students are well-equipped for the challenges of an ever-evolving world.

I extend my gratitude to our students, parents, and faculty for their unwavering dedication and enthusiasm. Your collective efforts have been instrumental in creating a vibrant and dynamic learning community. Together, we are fostering a genuine love for mathematics and nurturing the skills essential for success. As an example, Mr Shane Kegel has been using thinking classroom strategies such as vertical non-permanent surface to increase engagement of students in mathematics

Mathspace has proven to be an invaluable resource in our junior mathematics classrooms, significantly enhancing student learning and engagement. By offering interactive video lessons, practice exams, and immediate feedback, Mathspace allows all students to learn at their own pace and deepen their understanding of complex concepts. Please encourage your students to actively engage in their Mathspace work and activities when at home and have them show you the interface and their achievements to date.

Generative AI continues to progress rapidly, potentially putting free access to a personal tutor in the hands of all our students. This video demonstration shows how ChatGPT Tutoring works, offering a glimpse into what is becoming possible. Here are some helpful hints to start utilising ChatGPT with your child today:

1. Start a Conversation: Begin by asking ChatGPT specific maths questions. For example, "Can you help with Year 7 fractions?" or "How do you solve quadratic equations?"

2. Ask for Explanations: If your child doesn’t understand a concept, ask ChatGPT to explain it in simple terms. For instance, "Explain how to add fractions" or "What is the Pythagorean theorem?"

3. Request Examples: Ask ChatGPT to provide example problems. You can say, "Can you give an example of a multiplication problem?" or "Show us how to solve a system of equations."

4. Practice Problems: Have ChatGPT generate practice problems for your child to solve. You can ask, "Can you give us some practice problems on division?" or "Can you create some algebra problems?"

5. Check Answers: After your child completes a problem, use ChatGPT to check the answer. Ask, "Is the answer to this problem, correct?" and provide the problem and your child’s solution.

6. Step-by-Step Solutions: If your child is stuck, ask ChatGPT to provide a step-by-step solution. For example, "Can you show the steps to solve this equation?"

7. Clarify Doubts: Encourage your child to ask any questions they have. You can prompt them with, "Do you have any questions for ChatGPT about this problem?"

8. Use Visuals: For more complex problems, ask ChatGPT to describe visual aids or diagrams that can help. For example, "Can you explain this geometry problem with a diagram?"

Newcastle High School continues to be part of the Mathematics Growth Team Initiative, with the help of our Instructional Leader. Ben McCartney aims to support the use of evidence-based, best-practice assessment and teaching practices among mathematics educators. This last semester, we have been focussing on integrating Non-Permanent Surfaces (NPS) into our classrooms. These are writable surfaces, such as whiteboards or glass walls, empowering students to collaboratively solve problems, visualise concepts, and articulate their mathematical reasoning dynamically. You can read more about the MGT Initiative here.

I wish all students and families a successful and prosperous term ahead; I’m looking forward to continuing to see the successes of our staff and students over the next term.

Patrick Lomax

Head Teacher Mathematics