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Students follow a course that combines their knowledge and understanding from the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to answer real world briefs and issues. Working together, students develop their critical and creative thinking as they learn to generate and develop solutions in a creative makerspace, complete with 3D printing lab. Topics covered include solar, sustainable housing, CIT Bridge building competition, engineering challenges, bioplastics and digital technologies. This is a hands-on class. Students will develop an online portfolio of work by the end of the course.
Science at Namadgi School is designed to engage students actively in their learning and develop their skills in scientific inquiry. Through interesting and stimulating science activities conducted in our up-to-date labs, students will study the Australian Science Curriculum and develop their knowledge and understanding.
Each year group’s coursework includes at least one guided inquiry unit where students are given the opportunity to apply their learning and explore how core concepts have been developed and refined over time. We have a deep focus on understanding how what we learn in Science class can be applied to the world around us. For example, our year 7s start off the Chemistry unit with a sample of dirty water and by the end of the term they have cleaned it using a range of separation techniques - just as communities without access to clean water might need to do. This kind of approach is further embedded across the high school Science curriculum. We are committed to building scientifically literate students with critical thinking skills so they can fully understand the world around them.
A wide range of assessment strategies are used to gauge student learning and to assist students in demonstrating their understanding and skills. This culminates in an on-balance assessment policy where student progress can be considered holistically. This also allows us to readily prepare modified tasks and opportunities for students who require extra support or extension.
For further information about Mathematics and Science please contact john.mantinaos@ed.act.edu.au
Mathematics
Mathematics at Namadgi School is guided by the Australian National Curriculum, exploring topics such as number, algebra and geometry. We place a strong focus on developing students’ understanding of how mathematics works and applying their skills. Students have the opportunity to access a differentiated program, starting at their level and building their confidence with plenty of teacher support. An integral part of this is our emphasis on providing timely feedback to our students in a variety of ways including technology such as Mathspace which can provide adaptive tasks and help at home. This feedback gives teachers and students the chance to catch misconceptions early and strengthen students’ skills.
At Namadgi School, we support students to build their problem solving skills and develop a range of strategies. We weave literacy into our mathematics classes, helping students to gain new vocabulary and interpret problems.
Passionate or high achieving mathematics students can also access a special advanced mathematics, designed for Year 9 and 10 students but open to younger students with their teacher’s recommendation. It is an inclusive course where students have flexibility to work towards their own goals and explore topics that they may never normally experience during high school mathematics.
We have high expectations of our students at Namadgi School and work hard to provide opportunities for all students to grow and develop confidence in mathematics, supporting them throughout their time with us.
Advanced mathematics is an opportunity for students to extend and develop their mathematical skills. Students will have the flexibility to focus on their specific goals, whether this is building their confidence in their current year level work or moving forwards into more complex concepts or explore mathematics to which they would not normally be exposed. Students in Year 10 are given the chance to complete the 10 Advanced (10A) national curriculum course which is expected for successful completion of the higher levels of mathematics at college. Students could use this opportunity to participate in national mathematics extension and competitions, if they would like. This would suit you if you are keen to develop your mathematics and are willing and able to work independently. Students in Years 7 or 8 are welcome to apply if they are in need of significant extension and we will discuss the suitability with their current mathematics teacher.