Mathematics

The Mathematics department at Rangitoto College has the objective of ensuring that all our students leave school with at least the required qualifications needed for entrance to University. We employ highly qualified teaching staff that includes specialists in both Statistics and Calculus. We have designed several courses aimed at maximising the potential of all our students and adopt industry leading best practice processes.

Courses on Offer

Year 13: Calculus (MCA), Scholarship Calculus (MCX), Statistics (MAS), Scholarship Statistics (MSX), Mathematics (MAT). All Year 13 courses are approved for University Entry.  

Year 12: Calculus (MCA), Statistics (MAS), Calculus Extension (MTX), Applied Mathematics (MAA).

Year 11: Mathematics Extension (MTX), Mathematics (MTE), Mathematics Foundation (MTF), Mathematics for Numeracy (MTN).

Year 10: All of our Year 10 classes are banded so that pupils work in a challenging environment with students of a similar ability. Acceleration classes are also offered at this level. 

Year 9: The majority of our Year 9 classes are banded so that pupils work in a challenging environment with students of a similar ability.

Sophie Hursthouse

Calculus is important to me as it is challenging and has infinite concepts to explore.  It teaches a way of thinking that is essential in the work field.

Sophie Hursthouse
Year 
Year 12 - Scholarship Calculus

Mathematics Department

Extra Curricular Activities

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

  • Mathematics week.
  • Mathex.
  • Mathematics Competitions.

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:

  • National Bank Junior Mathematics Competition (open to Year 9, 10 and Year 11 students).
  • Mathex Team competition for Year 9 and Year 10.  It is a team based activity where the best teams from schools around New Zealand will compete against each other in order to win prizes for the school.
  • Otago Uni/ETON Press Senior Maths Competition – Open to Year 12 and Year 13 students.
  • UNSW Australia Mathematics Competition – mid-year – open to Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 students.
  • ICAS Mathematics Competition - mid year - open to Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 students.

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

Head of Department 
Andy Ballard
Qualifications 

BSc(Hons), GDipTchg(Sec)

Experience 
I taught at AUT University for nearly 15 years where I won several teaching awards, culminating with the prestigious National Tertiary Teaching Award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching. Before becoming a teacher, I worked as an International Marketing Manager for Alcatel Telecom, based in the UK. I graduated with a BSc (Honours, First Class) from the University of Salford, UK and completed my Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching at AUT University after realising that I could get paid for doing what I loved!
Personal Statement 
My teaching practice is highly student-centred and I have a particular interest in team-based collaborative learning. As Head of Department I am able to combine my love of education with my leadership expertise; I see my role as creating opportunities for my team to excel while removing any barriers that could prevent this. I am fortunate to work with passionate and caring colleagues who strive to instill a love of mathematics in their students. In my spare time I enjoy a wide range of activities, from trail-running to coaching football to spending time with my wife and two sons.