Mathematics
At St Mary’s DSG, we encourage as many girls as possible to choose Core Mathematics.
Curriculum Outline: Mathematics
| PAPER 1 | |
| Description of content | Marks (Approximate Weighting of Content Area) |
| Algebra and equations (and inequalities) | 25 |
| Patterns and sequences | 25 |
| Finance, growth and decay | 15 |
| Functions and graphs | 35 |
| Differential calculus | 35 |
| Probability | 15 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
| PAPER 2 | |
| Description of content | Marks (Approximate Weighting of Content Area) |
| Bookwork (included in any of the topics listed below) | 6 |
| Statistics | 20 |
| Analytical geometry | 40 |
| Trigonometry | 40 |
| Euclidean geometry and measurement | 50 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment and Examination
Assessment in Grades 10, 11 and 12 is modelled on the assessment structure in Grade 12. Students are expected to complete summative assessments, as well as portfolio assessments. 25% of the final mark is made up from year work, and the final examination comprises 75% of the result.
Mathematics focuses on formal, more abstract mathematical concepts. The current Mathematics syllabus assesses learners’ abilities equally in Algebra, Graphing, Trigonometry and Geometry, the latter having been reintroduced in the new curriculum from 2012. Deductive thinking, required particularly in the Euclidean Geometry, is a prerequisite for many courses at tertiary level.
Enrichment and Special Events:
• Participation in the South African Mathematics Olympiad
• Participation in the University of Pretoria Mathematics competition
• Visits to the University of Pretoria
• Regular involvement of the Mathematics patron, Professor Ansie Harding
• Motivational talks with a mathematical flavour
• Advanced Programme Mathematics
