Mathematics at Newton College

Mathematics at Newton starts in our Infant School "Little Newton".
The first discoveries of counting and shapes find their place in a very caring and loving environment. Little Newton is an extension of home for our future pupils.

The next step in the adventure of mathematics is taken in Kinder, at Newton a lovely area by the lagoon covered with beautifully crafted little houses, which serve as classrooms. Over the next two years the introduction into the whole number system and encounters with geometry are almost a daily experienced for our pupils. Not only mathematical games are performed to stimulate the interest of the children, but beyond this further regular training in the decimal number system takes place. The aim is to make it easier for our youngest pupils to enter the next stage in their contact with Mathematics:

Grades 1 to 4 From Kinder, an interdisciplinary approach takes place which meets the requirements of one of the most advanced and modern teaching methodologies: The Primary Years Programme. It is a constructivist approach, to an interdisciplinary enquiry based learning methodology. Through it, Newton College is sharing a pioneering experience in primary education shared with leading schools through out the world, which adhere to British school practice.

In 4th grade the "classical " four operations in Arithmetic are learned. Up to this year young Newtonians are exposed to the set of whole numbers.

In 5th grade this changes profoundly because now, a new team of teachers, introduces negative and rational numbers. (5th and 6th Grades and Form I). At Newton we devote much energy and dedication to these years. A successful preparation in rational numbers will insure a more successful performance of the pupils in the years to follow. In these years The "British National Curriculum" is the guiding programme for preparation.

In Form 2 our students begin preparation for external exams, the IGCSE and the IB Diploma. At the end of Form 4, students take the IGCSE exam, either at Extended Level or at Core Level, depending on the ability of the student. Students who are successful at Extended Level will have good preparation for the IB Diploma.

For the duration of the IGCSE, students are required to bring a scientific calculator to maths lessons, and for IB Diploma mathematics, a graphic calculator is an essential tool. Students will be shown how to use them in great detail. It is an important aspect of lessons that students are able to solve problems using both calculator and non-calculator techniques. Students may also be exposed to ICT in order to support the learning process, and this will become an important aspect during the mathematics portfolio component of the IB.

At Newton, IB mathematics is offered at two levels, Mathematics SL, and for very able students Mathematics HL. The latest text books are used in conjunction with the new IB mathematics syllabus, along with an extensive bank of other mathematics text books for reference and exercises. In addition, department members produce additional resources for reinforcement of the topics studied.