MATHEMATICAL LITERACY AT PARKTOWN BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL
With the introduction of the new curriculum in 2008, it became compulsory to take Mathematic as one of your matric subjects. For those boys, that find Mathematics a challenge, the option exists to take Mathematical Literacy instead.
Mathematical Literacy as a subject looks at the practical aspects of Mathematics in real-life situations.
The learning outcomes for Mathematical Literacy are as follows:
Learning Outcome 1: Number and Operations In Context
The learner is able to use knowledge of numbers and their relationships to investigate a range of different contexts which include financial aspects of personal, business and national issues.
The focus of this Learning Outcome is on the investigation and solution of problems that require a sound understanding of numbers and their use in calculations, especially in financial contexts, ranging from personal to international issues.
Learning Outcome 2: Functional Relationships
The learner is able to recognise, interpret, describe and represent various functional relationships to solve problems in real and simulated contexts.
Functional relationships pervade our society. This Learning Outcome is designed to give learners opportunities to investigate and make sense of such relationships where they arise in the context of other subjects, work or life-related situations.
Learning Outcome 3: Space, Shape and Measurement
The learner is able to measure using appropriate instruments, to estimate and calculate physical quantities, and to interpret, describe and represent properties of and relationships between 2-dimensional shapes and 3-dimensional objects in a variety of orientations and positions.
This Learning Outcome focuses on the development of spatial understanding and geometric skills through engagement with suitable contexts. This includes visualisation and knowledge of transformations. A variety of contexts should be employed to represent spatial aspects through diagrams and models, and to analyse shapes geometrically in order to solve problems and investigate situations.
Learning Outcome 4: Data Handling
The learner is able to collect, summarise, display and analyse data and to apply knowledge of statistics and probability to communicate, justify, predict and critically interrogate findings and draw conclusions.
Unfortunately, Mathematical Literacy as a matric subject can limit tertiary study opportunities after leaving school. As a result, boys and their parents are advised to check the entry requirements of the studies they wish to pursue when they leave school.
We have a small Mathematical Literacy Department at Parktown Boys’ High School. There is a total of 60 boys doing Mathematical Literacy in Grade 10 to 12.
The staff members are as follows:
Mr SP Richter HOD & Grade 12 Educator
Miss S De Nicola Grade 11 Educator
Any queries regarding the subject can be directed to the Head of Department, Mr SP Richter, via e-mail (richters@parktownboys.com) or can be contacted via the school office on (011) 642 – 4531/2.
