Mathematics Resources for Secondary Schools

What secondary mathematics topics do students cover? 

The secondary mathematics topics students cover are number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability.  

Each of these is a content strand within the Australian Curriculum – “They describe what is taught and learnt.” 

Within secondary mathematics number and algebra, students learn to apply number sense and strategies for counting and representing numbers. They use their understanding and skills to conduct investigations, solve problems and communicate reasoning. 

The secondary school (Years 7 to 10) sub-strands for number and algebra are number and place value, real numbers, money and financial mathematics, pattern and algebra, and linear and non-linear relationships. 

Measurement and geometry involve the study of size, shape, pattern, relative position and movement of two-dimensional figures in the plane and three-dimensional objects in space. The sub-stands for secondary school measurement and geometry include using units of measurement, geometric reasoning, and Pythagoras and trigonometry. 

Lastly, secondary mathematics statistics and probability are where students recognise, analyse, interpret and summarise data to make reasoned decisions and judgements. The two sub-strands in the F-10 Curriculum are chance and data representation and interpretation. 

What are ideas for daily maths starters? 

Ideas for daily maths starters can be found in Building Maths Fitness Book 2 – a publication suitable for lower secondary school.  

The secondary maths resource contained 100 daily maths starters for 20 weeks. The task cards become progressively harder through the weeks. 

Each card has 20 problems and follows the same format. These provide easy ideas as maths starters. 

For example, for questions one to ten, there is a number and operation at the top (eg, x 2.5). Below is a list of ten numbers students use to practice their basic facts (eg, 74 x 2.5, 17 x 2.5…). 

In the next four questions, students practice their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills respectively (eg, 56mm + 82cm + 2cm = answer in cm).  

Problems 15 to 19 are a mix-and-match where students reinforce their prior learning (eg, what is 75% of $9200?).  

Last is an engaging maths problem for students to solve. This encourages them to use logic and reasoning.  

Task cards like these make great maths starters because they are designed to be completed relatively quickly and reinforce prior learning.  Secondary maths teachers – use these ideas to create your own maths starters or save yourself time by purchasing Building Maths Fitness.  

What mathematics resources for secondary teachers do you recommend? 

The mathematics resources for secondary teachers we recommend are: 

Smart about Mathematics by Caroline Mulholland 

Discover a series of smart maths resources filled with bright ideas. The activities support students in growing mathematically in the key topics of measurement, geometry, statistics and probability.  

As well as aiding students, these help teachers by providing clear learning intentions linked to the Australian curriculum.  

SOLO Taxonomy in Mathematics by Pam Hook, Courtney Gravett and Mitchell Howard 

Get your students thinking like a mathematician. Use SOLO Taxonomy as a framework to represent students’ level of mathematical understanding and to prompt their next steps. In this way, students continually seek to deepen their knowledge and skills. 

Maths Problem Solving for Higher Achieving Students by Ian Bull 

Challenge your students with maths activities designed to provide enrichment and extension. 

Each maths resource Australia is divided into three sections. The first takes a scaffolded approach. Next, it encourages open-ended problem-solving. Lastly, word problems strengthen the link between literacy and numeracy.  

Purchase these essential mathematic resources for secondary teachers.