Year 9
With the introduction of some new ideas, Year 9 Maths begins to set kids on their senior school paths. This is a key turning point for a lot of kids as a more mature student heads to school.
I often have the discussion with Parents and Students that Year 9 is the hardest year. With the introduction of Trigonometry and Linear Algebra, two of the more difficult topics at this stage, as well as the the typical splitting of kids in Standard (5.2) or Advanced (5.3) Maths, we start to see kids tearing ahead or falling behind. At this stage there are some key ideas I try to explore:
Algebra/Trigonometry need to be cemented at this point. These are foundational ideas going forward.
With the introduction of graded classes, kids hoping to be involved in the STEM fields post High School have a decision to make. To be involved in most STEM fields, you need a STEM degree, which usually involves Advanced Maths in Year 11 and 12, which typically requires being in Advanced Maths in Year 10, which involves being in Advanced Maths in Year 9.
Having had two years of “High School Exam Standards” eg. An assessment notification, typically with 2 weeks notice, It is always a positive to see kids taking these more seriously. Whilst they may not be “the end of world”, It is always a positive to start seeing kids adopting some sort concern over their results, at least in the same way they’d show concern over a sporting loss (a tall order to some).