Mathematics 

The Mathematics Continuum

Mathematics is one of the mandatory subjects for all students to study up until the  end of Year 10.  However, unlike other subject areas, the Stage 5 Mathematics syllabus is a streamed syllabus recognising the varying abilities, application and future requirements of students.  This means that students across the various Year 9 and 10 classes may be studying different topics at different depths throughout the year.

At Queanbeyan High School, students are placed into a Year 9 mathematics class based on a combination of their results throughout the Stage 4 (Years 7&8) course and teacher observation and recommendation, with the ultimate aim of developing a students competence in, and confidence towards, mathematics. 

Depending on performance, engagement and aspiration, students are able to move between the classes throughout Years 9 and 10 after consultation with their teacher and the Head Teacher Mathematics. 

Further Information

For further information please read the following documents available from the NESA website:

Mathematics K-10 Syllabus 

NESA Mathematics K-10

School Reporting for Mathematics is based on a student’s results in his/her pathway for that semester at school.  A student studying a lower pathway may receive an A grade to indicate their outstanding grasp of the content within that course only.  A student in the 'A' class who has found the work challenging may only receive a 'D' grade for that particular semester of that course.  It is impossible and unfair to compare grades received by students following different pathways. 

It is important to note that NESA grades at the end of Year 10 are based on a student’s demonstrated ability against the full scope of the mathematics curriculum.  For all other subjects, students receive an A-E grade at the end of Year 10.  However, due to the complexity of the streamed syllabus in Mathematics, grades allocated to students range from A10 to E2. 

For final NESA Year 10 grades, students are given a grade to reflect their knowledge and understanding of the entire Stage 5 Mathematics syllabus, regardless of the individual pathway each student has followed, essentially comparing students who have studied 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 outcomes. 

Therefore, parents and students should be aware that the grades given on a school report throughout the year may not match the NESA grade received at the end of Year 10.  A student following a lower pathway who has demonstrated a high level of understanding of these outcomes may receive A's or B's on their internal school report, yet receive a D4 or C5 NESA grade as they did not attempt any of the more challenging concepts.