Is your child taking the 'right' maths?

Many parents don't realise that there is more than one option when it comes to high school maths. Last week a parent said to me, "If only they had known that my daughter's choice of maths for Year 11 has reduced their Year 12 and 13 maths options, then I would have done something about it".

If a student does not take Year 11 algebra then their immediate options for calculus in Year 12 and Year 13 are closed. In many schools it is the mathematics teachers who make the decision about which students can and cannot take algebra at Year 11 based on student marks in Year 9 and 10 assessments.

If your child is in Year 11 next year and you think they need to be taking the maths course that will get them into the course that will take them to Year 13 calculus then make sure you clarify this with the Maths HOD or Dean.

To support students who need extra guidance and confidence with learning Algebra and other maths skills requirements, The Maths Room is running the following targeted learning sessions for up to three students next year:

• Year 9 and 10 preparation for NCEA maths where the sessions will teach content (not just help with homework)

• Year 11 building confidence for NCEA maths where the sessions will teach content (not just help with homework)

Please contact The Maths Room with expressions of interest for enrolling your child in 2018.