Mathematics

The Logan Park Mathematics Department is a very high achieving department, getting several Scholarships in both Calculus and Statistics every year.

Our teaching staff is highly motivated and accomplished, with notable achievements including Mr. John Major and Ms. Amanda Fraser being recipients of the prestigious Jim Campbell Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching in 2011 and 2022, respectively.

Mathematics is full of wonder, beauty and creativity. Mathematics is a fundamental part of human thought and logic, and integral to attempts at understanding the world around us. Mathematics provides an effective way to help us to think logically; from carefully stating the problem and planning our solution to executing steps in the appropriate order and evaluating our solution.

Mathematical literacy is a crucial attribute of individuals living more effective lives as constructive, concerned and reflective citizens. Mathematical literacy is taken to include basic computational skills, quantitative reasoning, spatial ability etc. In addition, mathematical knowledge plays an essential role in understanding the contents of other school subjects such as science, social studies, and even music and art. Most university and polytechnics require some Mathematics. Limiting the Maths that you study may limit your career options.

JUNIOR MATHEMATICS

We use a mixture of online learning, skills-strengthening approaches and problem-solving to prepare students for the senior programmes, and to enhance students’ enjoyment of their learning.

YEAR 9 MATHEMATICS

Year 9 Mathematics is delivered within broadly banded classes, allowing students to work in a supportive and appropriately challenging environment alongside peers of similar readiness. The programme is aligned with the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum Phase 4 and is designed to meet students where they are, while supporting steady progress over the year.

Our focus is on building strong foundations in key areas such as number, algebra, measurement, geometry, statistics, and relationships. Students develop confidence in applying mathematical ideas to a range of meaningful and contextual situations, while strengthening their ability to think logically, solve problems, and communicate their reasoning clearly.

A balance of independent and collaborative learning opportunities is provided, encouraging students to take responsibility for their learning while also learning from others. The course aims to equip students with the skills and understanding needed for success in future mathematics learning.

YEAR 10 MATHEMATICS

Year 10 Mathematics continues to be delivered within broadly banded classes, supporting students to learn alongside others with similar levels of readiness while still being appropriately challenged. The programme aligns with the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum Phase 4, with an increasing emphasis on preparing students for the transition into NCEA.

Students extend and consolidate their understanding across key areas including number, algebra, measurement, geometry, statistics, and mathematical relationships. There is a strong focus on applying skills in a range of contexts, developing problem-solving strategies, and clearly communicating mathematical thinking using appropriate methods and language.

As students progress through the year, greater independence and resilience are encouraged, alongside opportunities for both collaborative and individual work. The course is designed to strengthen core knowledge and skills, while building confidence and readiness for future pathways in mathematics.

SENIOR MATHEMATICS

The Mathematics department has the objective of ensuring that all our students leave school with at least Numeracy and have developed a number of pathways aimed at maximising the potential of all our students, no matter their ability. In Years 11 to 13, higher level thinking is developed across various topics, for use in mathematical career paths.

YEAR 11

Mathematics with Externals Level 1
Mathematics with Numeracy Level 1

YEAR 12

Mathematics Level 2
Calculus Level 2
Statistics Level 2

YEAR 13

Calculus Level 3
Statistics Level 3

All Year 13 courses are approved for University Entry.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The Logan Park Mathematics Department has numerous extra-curricular activities that are associated with the department.

We encourage as many students as possible to enter the competitions that are available throughout the year. Maths competitions encourage and stimulate problem-solving skills crucial to high levels of achievement in Mathematics. The competitions that are available are as follows:

Computation and Algorithmic Thinking Competition
OMAthalon Team competition for Year 9, Year 10 and Senior students. It is a team-based activity where the best teams from schools around Otago will compete against each other in order to win prizes for the school.
University of Otago Junior Maths Competition
Australia Mathematics Competition
ICAS Mathematics Competition

Maths Week is a nationwide activity undertaken by schools to promote mathematics in schools. At Logan Park High School, we celebrate maths with a number of activities that both students and staff are involved in.

For more information, talk to the HoD Mr Major (ajm@lphs.school.nz) or any of the Mathematics Department staff members.

TEACHER CONTACT

Name	Area	Initials	Email
Amanda Fraser	Mathematics	AJF	amanda.fraser@lphs.school.nz
John Major – HoD	Mathematics	AJM	john.major@lphs.school.nz
Alan Reynolds	Mathematics	AJR	alan.reynolds@lphs.school.nz
Richard Norton	Mathematics	RAN	richard.norton@lphs.school.nz
Jens Moller	Mathematics	JAM	jens.moller@lphs.school.nz
Luke J Fraser	Mathematics	LJF	luke.j.fraser@lphs.school.nz
John Nicolson	Mathematics	JJN	john.nicolson@lphs.school.nz
Leon Matahaere	Mathematics	LRM	leon.matahaere@lphs.school.nz