The Year 8 Mathematics course aims to continue to develop the student’s knowledge and understanding fundamental to studying Mathematics that forms the base from which to explore concepts and develop problem-solving skills. Through several units of work in number, geometry, chance and data, students develop mathematical reasoning to make deductions and solve problems. Through the use of mathematical investigations in linear algebra, students are given the opportunity to apply their comprehension of skills and problem-solving techniques to investigate a problem, generate and/or analyse information, find relationships and patterns, describe these mathematically as general rules, and justify or prove them. This process is targeted to authentic real-life situations that enables the students to makes sense of the application of mathematics and in so doing enrich their learning journey. Several assessments expect the boys to use an appropriate level of communication and, more importantly, encourage students to reflect upon their findings and problem-solving processes. Such findings support the aim for students to share their thinking with teachers and peers, and to examine different problem-solving strategies. Critical reflection in Mathematics helps students gain insight into their strengths and weaknesses as learners and to appreciate the value of errors as powerful motivators to enhance learning and understanding. At the end of their journey, students are expected to gain a better understanding of their reflection of mathematics by:

• explaining whether their results make sense in the context of the problem
• describing the importance of their findings
• justifying the degree of accuracy of their results where appropriate
• suggesting improvements to the method when necessary