Hi all,
I just got out of a maths test regarding whether or not i get into extension 1. I'm fairly certain that i didnt do well so i come to you - my fellow peers. What are my options at this point? I overlooked algebra and studied everything but it, thinking that there would be little basic algebra. 60% of the test was comprised of Algebra..
I have some ideas as to what to do:
No - they're in year 10 but they just took the test for whether they can take ext1 maths (aka 3 unit HSC maths).
Yes, for sure. I'll make sure to prepare myself way more next time - for the next exam in 3 weeks.
Public or private school? It seems unreasonable they restrict how many students can choose to enrol in extension 1 unless they seriously can't find enough teachers for the amount of students that want to do it.
I'd approach the teacher first alone, and bring in parents later. Offer to do an extra test / assignment / something to prove you understand algebra and will be able to keep up with the rest of the class.
I was thinking about doing an extra test/assignment after I display a clear improvement of the algebraic concept. I go to a public school and am in a selective class, but there are several students in the under class (Gifted and Talented) that are strides, better than me at maths. I enjoy english more, but that doesnt mean i don't enjoy maths. I'm not sure how many people will be in ext. 1, but i plan to set myself apart from the other people that will go with the traditional "stronghold my way in using my parents" method.
Just drop out.
whether or not i get into extension 1
Is Extension 1 that what they now call the old 3-unit maths?
Do you need a test to get in? I thought it was up to the student to decide (it's been a while, but maybe times have changed since I left high school).
You can decide, but you might have to take it externally because most schools have a number limit (class sizes) for how many students they'll take for 3u maths.
^
You are allowed to pick whichever subjects you like. The school's test is just giving you an idea about suitability (even if they say otherwise). Ext 1 is a difficult course you can always start and then drop down.
Schools will try to say you can't do a subject but they actually can't enforce it. I am the director of studies and Head of Maths in a NSW school and this issue comes up frequently.
That can't be true. I mean - I could choose to take beginner's Greek (for example) as a HSC unit but my school certainly doesn't have to provide me a class for it. How much of this is school policy and how much is BoE policy?
They refer you to a college/Tafe/weekend school run by the department
Yeah - that's what I thought, externally. But OP doesn't get to force the school to let them take the subject in-school, right?
I didn't say anything about the school providing a class, just that your school can't stop you from studying a specific subject based on a test.
This, I'm from a country town in SA (had to do HS at the next town over) and my school only taught a handful of subjects (English, PE etc). But I was still able to do Maths, Physics, chem, bio, I just had to do them all open access (extension). But I definitely had teachers tell me it wasn't allowed, it wasn't available, you can't do it etc.
They don't have to provide a class for it I don't think (so you may have to go ext), but if the subject is available they can't refuse you to enroll into it as far as I understand.
Not hating but.. Director of studies and Head of Maths browsing Ozbargain forums during school hours. Nice!
The last point you brought up about them not being able to enforce it, I've heard alot about that and i hope it's true. Anyways, starting today i'll be grinding out algebra because i'm frustrated with being bad at it.
Never beg and never give up.
Make your own way there. i.e. submit a study proposal to your teacher outlining your goals, study plan and actions you are willing to do to maintain your academic ability in maths and algebra, and make a way to associate with the class and the program.
work smart and be clever
thanks, this is actually a great idea. I've been pondering getting better at algebra to prove i'm capable of doing the algebra-heavy course to my teacher.
Why would you overlook algebra? Algebra is probably the most important mathematical concept.
A year 10 kid probably doesn't have the same perspective as you
I'm a fair ways out of school, but… what's "basic algebra"? I wouldn't have thought you needed to study for that by yr 10.
Correct.
But that's not the case I'm making.
I'm not denying that it is important. I'm just saying a year 10 student probably wouldn't have the perspective to judge that.
i just didnt expect there to be this much algebra, so it rear ended me when i got the test.
You studied for an exam instead of studying to enlighten yourself.
Until you fix your views on education, it doesn't matter what subjects you do, you're going to be miserable and bad at it.
I know from experience.
Honestly, mate I would stop playing overwatch and all that anime shit and start doing some hardcore study. Beootch
There are some great life lessons in anime. Take Naruto for example.
You can aim to be like Sakura and just hope that your friends will carry you through. Its all about that will of fire and believing it.
*I realized I wasn't entirely clear. Believing in your friends' will of fire.
OP
Schools are like any institution they push a message. They have some good teachers for sure but those teachers need a job and they need students.
Get through year 10 and go looking for Tafes with a Uni pathway in your local areas. Work out how you're going to get there and apply yourself to something you enjoy or something you that will build your skills.
You can have 3 years of a degree done (including a Diploma) while your peers are finishing their gap year.
Schools force you to learn skills that you may not ever use, you spend valuable time on these skills, learn from your mistake and get yourself ahead.
It's just year 10, its irrelevant, learn from your mistake, and be more prepared next time.