Mathematics ________________________________Page

Mathematics

What’s New in Mathematics at SJC?

St Joseph’s now offers an immersive, engineering orientated STEM experience for students entering Year 10 in 2020 and beyond. This elective unit is offered as an innovative alternative to the traditional Mathematical Methods and Physics pathway. STEM classes seek to develop the skills that many career paths now require, such as communication, problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and data analysis. The content has been designed, and is being delivered, by experienced teaching staff, with a clear focus on developing the skills required for both Year 12 and University success. In 2019, of all the SJC graduates who chose a university career pathway, some 30% selected the following courses • Engineering and technology (40) • Architecture and Building (25) • Information Technology (10) STEM_10 is specifically designed to cater for these career path choices. An engineering style approach to delivering curriculum, seeks to build the underlying Mathematical and problem solving skills required for a successful STEM based career.

Here is what some of the 2020 students have to say: The STEM course is exactly what I expected it to be. I expected it to be a subject that extends and pushes us in physics and maths whilst also exposing us to how our learning is used in the real world and helps us cement this understanding using the engineering challenges. I would definitely recommend this course to any student that is interested in STEM and is willing to put in the effort and extend themselves as this subject will not only help you in future VCE but it can also be interesting and fun.

The thing I enjoy most in this course is the engineering challenges. They give you an opportunity to apply what you have learned and also allow you to work with others to build a device or solve a problem in a fun way. Unlike traditional Mathematics and Physics, STEM 10 applies both subjects to real-life problem-solving activities. By learning the content and then applying it to the engineering challenges and scientific pracs, it allows students to be creative and design solutions using Math and physics. It is also more engaging, particularly the math side of the subject. Rather than just learning formulas and techniques we are shown what Math can do to solve problems and create solutions.

I enjoy being in the class with the mates I have. Even though the course is challenging it was good to have a laugh sometimes. I really like having the lab where we are the only class in it, I like the small number of students in the class and it's with the people who want to challenge themselves. Question: What do you like least about this course? Answer: That I can't do it next year