Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematics is very important in today’s world.  It is the exploration and use of patterns and relationships in quantities, space, and time. Statistics is the exploration and use of patterns and relationships in data. These two disciplines are related but different ways of thinking and of solving problems. It is a powerful tool for understanding the world around us and our perspective of the important issues facing us as individuals, families, businesses, and nations. Math surrounds us; we see and use math skills and capabilities every day–from balancing our accounts to advertising agencies to doctors; from retailers to builders, lawyers and accountants. 

Everyone needs some level of specific mathematics knowledge. Mathematics has a broad range of practical applications in everyday life, in other learning areas, and in workplaces. Most professions use math to perform their job better and to get ahead in the world.

Students are strongly encouraged to continue mathematics though to Year 13 as the majority of tertiary programmes and vocational courses require mathematics at NCEA Level 2 or 3.

Why learn Mathematics?

Math is more than a subject that everyone in school needs to take. Many believe that math is only needed in the Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics fields (STEM). That’s true, math is absolutely essential in those fields, but it is also needed in many other fields including economics, many of the social sciences such as psychology and sociology, and in many of the arts and humanities disciplines including art, music, and mass communications. Mathematics has been called “the universal language”.

By studying mathematics and statistics, students develop the ability to think creatively, critically, strategically, and logically. They learn to structure and to organise, to carry out procedures flexibly and accurately, to process and communicate information, and to enjoy intellectual challenge.

By learning mathematics and statistics, students develop other important thinking skills. They learn to create models and predict outcomes, to conjecture, to justify and verify, and to seek patterns and generalisations. They learn to estimate with reasonableness, calculate with precision, and understand when results are precise and when they must be interpreted with uncertainty. 

Where can Mathematics lead?

Mathematics is not just about numbers; it is about patterns too. Jobs like fashion and interior design will benefit from mathematics skills. Mathematics is also fundamental to the study of engineering, economics, virtually all science subjects and is useful for many other subjects.

Business careers need mathematics and statistics to produce reports that can be understood at different levels of interest. In fact, most top-paying jobs need good mathematics skills: doctors, vets, engineers, scientists, plumbers, electricians, builders - the list goes on.

Please note: Students are required to take Mathematics and Statistics until the end of Year 11. However, a decision not to continue with the subject into Years 12 and 13 should not be made lightly as many tertiary courses require Mathematics at NCEA Level 2 or 3.

Head of Department

Miss R. Prasad

• Grid
• List

Options in this Learning Area