MATHEMATICS
Mathematics lessons are conducted at Hornsby Tuition Centre on weekends and on weekdays from
4.30 p.m. Lessons generally follow a topic-by-topic approach, and typically include:
- careful development of all relevant theory
- thorough explanation of each concept by the teacher working through a large number of questions
- the students working through a selection of similar questions to test understanding
- discussion of common mistakes made by students in tests and exams
- discussion of techniques that allow students to maximise their performance on tests and exams
Study options for Mathematics
Students studying Mathematics come to the centre once a week for one Mathematics theory lesson and they have the option of attending a follow-up tutorial lesson later in the week. In the theory lessons, all topics are introduced from the beginning and are developed logically and sequentially, so no prior knowledge of any topic is necessary. Therefore, it does not matter whether students have met a particular topic yet at school or not. They will be able to engage fully with each topic, in exactly the same manner as if they were learning the material in their regular school Mathematics class.Some topics will be a first treatment, which allows students to get a head start on their peers and to build a solid foundation for when those topics are introduced at school. Other topics will be a second treatment, which gives students the opportunity to consolidate their understanding of that work. In either case, students will work through every topic in the syllabus twice, in detail – once at school and once at the centre.
In the optional weekday tutorial lessons, students work through an extensive set of questions based on material presented in the previous theory lesson. This affords students the opportunity to reinforce their understanding of the course content. The Mathematics teacher is present in the room at all times, ready to provide assistance for students when necessary. Tutorial lessons are scheduled on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons after school. Students may attend the tutorial lesson that best suits their individual circumstances. Attendance at the tutorial lesson is only permitted if the student has attended the previous theory lesson.
Revision classes
Whole day revision lessons are conducted during holiday breaks to revise all content covered up to that point in each course. This helps to alleviate the extreme stress many students experience as they attempt to cram for final exams at the last minute, often under high pressure. Such an approach to study seldom allows students to perform at their best, and more often than not results in them finishing with a lower ranking than they are capable of achieving. In Year 12, a low ranking in a course could have a significant impact on a student’s final HSC result and UAI.Individual lessons
Individual lessons are available in Mathematics for students in Years 7 to 12, up to Extension 1 (3U). Extension 2 (4U) Mathematics is only offered in groups at the centre. As more classes commence at the centre, it is likely that home visits will only be available between 7 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. Monday to Friday. However, not all groups timetabled at the centre have commenced as yet. Therefore, at present it may be possible to book individual lessons including home visits outside of these evening times. This is subject to change once a group commences at the centre during the scheduled times. From the start of Term 4 2008 it will also be possible to organise individual lessons for Year 11 and 12 students at the centre between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, if they are not required to attend school at that time.