Maths
Our goal in the mathematics department in Alexandra College is to provide an educational experience that helps prepare students for successful roles in an ever changing society. This is accomplished through the department’s commitment to excellent teaching, a well designed curriculum and a supportive environment for all the students. Students are challenged to develop skills in analysis, reasoning, creativity and self expression as they gain knowledge of mathematics. We maintain high academic and behavioural expectations and make every effort to direct students to realise their full potential.
It is intended that mathematics education should:
A. Contribute to the personal development of the students. This aim is chiefly concerned with the students’ feelings of worth as a result of finding meaning and interest as well as achieving success in mathematics.
B. Help to provide them with the mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding needed for continuing their education and eventually for life and work.
The objectives of the various syllabii offered at both Junior and Leaving Certificate levels are broadly summarised as follows:
1. Students should be able to recall basic mathematical facts.
2. They should be equipped with competencies needed for mathematical activities.
3. They should develop an understanding of individual concepts and see the subject as a logical discipline and an integrated whole.
4. They should be able to apply their mathematical knowledge.
5. They should be able to analyse information and solve problems using their acquired mathematical tools.
6. They should be able to organise and communicate their work verbally and in writing.
7. They should be able to appreciate mathematics and, as they grow in confidence, enjoy their mathematical experiences.
For more detail regarding Junior and Leaving Certificate courses and the syllabii of the different levels within each go tomaths2 the Department of Education and Science website www.education.ie and look under Curriculum, Syllabus and Training Guides.
In Alexandra College mathematics is taught in mixed ability classes in first year. On average seventy percent of the students take the Higher Level course at Junior Certificate and in second and third year they are taught in classes appropriate to their level. Approximately forty percent of the students continue at Higher Level for their Leaving Certificate.
In Transition Year the subject is taught in modules, some emphasising revision of the more difficult topics from Junior Cert, others looking forward and whetting the appetite for the Leaving Certificate course.
Interactive whiteboards are being used in many mathematics classes in Alexandra College. They greatly enhance teaching and learning and as one of their uses they allow the teacher to save notes and diagrams in electronic files and to retrieve them for review at a later time.
Outside the classroom:
In February of each year, students take part in the Junior Mathematics Olympiad and in past years some students have gone forward to the final. In previous years students have been invited to take part in the International Mathematics Olympiad training programme because they have performed particularly well in their Junior Cert mathematics. In February each year a senior team takes part in the Team Maths table quiz organised by the Irish Maths Teachers Association. Students have also presented projects of a mathematical nature for the Young Scientist Competition and in 2008 one student achieved third place in the Transition Year Mathematics section with a project “Diophantine Approximations”. Such outside school involvements give students valuable opportunities to interact with students from other schools and to enjoy much academic stimulation.