A hearty welcome to parents and students to the new school year. Most students know me as Mr Dass. I teach MYP Maths in Grades 7, 8 and 9 and DP Maths (applications and Interpretations) grades 11 and 12.

We have worked really hard last year in implementing a stronger academic culture so that children are fully prepared for the DP program. There is a strong emphasis on literacy and communication as well as real world applications. This cascades all the way back through all years of MYP

Maths is not a subject separate from life. Maths grew and continues to grow from our need to make sense of our world – and we should not forget that. Its first purpose is to provide us the tools to do so. This approach leads to the study of Applications and Interpretations in DP. It focuses on the use of statistics, modeling and estimations.

A more theoretical approach leads to a deeper rigorous study in the DP years in Analysis and Approaches. This course should be taken by students interested in Engineering sciences as it delves deeper into Calculus and Trigonometry.

The MYP years gives us the opportunity to develop our skills (tools). We do this by focusing on the content, developing skills in identifying patterns and “general rules”, being able to explain and write maths to anyone, and knowing where we can use it in real-life.

I welcome meeting parents. I am available generally from 3-4 pm. Please confirm an appointment in advance. I will generally not respond to calls or emails after hours – but your should get a response within 24 hours.

We work hard, but always with understanding. I set high expectations on self-management, and a consistent work ethic. These approaches will lead to success, not just academically, but in life.

I look forward to meeting all of you!

PS –  in future broadcasts, I will report on MYP and DP separately