It is almost the end of the academic year in Mathematics. We have a few minor challenges to get through such as exams, rounding off the course and choosing carefully our course of study next year (for those students who do have a choice). 

You may disagree with the idea of calling exams and choosing your course for next year minor. In my view, the two mentioned follow on from the hard work we do during the course of the year. Exams are about showing what you have done during the year. Choosing your next course is also dependent on what you have been doing during the year. 

The major idea with Mathematics is that you busy yourself with studying the subject throughout the year (consistency). We have too many students say: “I am waiting for exams so that I can study” and ask “which chapters do I have to study for the upcoming exams, sir?” 

During the year, you have time to work on understanding concepts (time management and understanding). The concepts in Mathematics become easier the more time you spend contemplating and practising them. So, we can do better next time. At Redfield, let us commence our study of Mathematics early, so that exams and choosing courses become a formality. 

Why do I have to study Mathematics? This question comes up often in a time when students can lift their mobile phone and say “Siri, what are prime numbers?” or just google it and get a ready answer. 

It is always a struggle to explain to young men the connections between the mathematics we learn at school and real life. A complete answer to this question is not always possible, as young men do not have the life experience to grasp the complexities of life and have not yet been exposed to them. Another is that we cannot predict our future and the mathematical requirements it will hold. 

I do believe, however, that the study of mathematics brings with it intended and unintended consequences for all young men. 

It helps them be financially prudent and wise. Understanding numbers and having good numeracy skills enables one to grasp the underlying reasons for any financial decisions. Numeracy skills enable one to follow recipes, to read data and to manage a household budget. We are called upon to make wise purchases in a time when things are becoming costly. Do we know how to calculate successive discounts quickly? Are we able to discern between different data plans offered by telcos?

It develops logic, critical thinking and decision-making skills. In Mathematics, we teach logic. It simply is not good enough just to give answers to problems. We need to be able to explain in a consistent, logical manner how we arrive at the answers. The processes involved in arriving at answers should be cost-effective and simple. We base decisions not only on answers but on all the ideas leading to the answer. These abilities could help our young men at Redfield become better managers, better dads and better community leaders. We can do better! 

It provides them with the skills required for jobs today. My brother is a builder. He employed a young man as an apprentice and the following happened. The young man was asked to measure a length and then dig a trench. After a while, my brother discovered that this young man could not do a simple measurement and did not know the different units of length. Siri could not help him. 

Many jobs require mathematical skills. Some skills are obvious requirements for some occupations such as builders, doctors, engineers and architects, to name a few. Some are not so obvious. Animators use linear algebra and transformations to create spectacular visual effects. Computers game engineers use game theory and applied mathematics. The skills we learn now are useful. 

It provides them with skills for the jobs of tomorrow. We do not know what the future will be like but I know it will be mathematical. The fastest growing new industries are in the fields of science, technology and engineering. These all require mathematical skills. 

One last point: at Redfield we introduced Mathspace across all years of study to assist students with their studies. At the heart of any assistance program is the philosophy that students should firstly make a good attempt at their classwork and homework. I find that many students still come to class without any preparations or homework done. We have to change this. Teachers and parents have to check with the boys and ensure that these basics are done. No online assistance program can assist us when we do not do the basics. 

As from next term, parents will be added to their son’s Mathspace account and will receive updates as to what is expected to be done when their son has a task due. Parents may choose to opt out and will need to notify the Mathematics Department if they do not want to receive updates but, to begin with, everyone will be opted in by default. We will trial this idea over the coming summer holidays. 

I wish all students all the best in their upcoming Mathematics exams, as they will be a great chance to show what we have learnt over the last year!

 - Leon E. Petersen, Head of Mathematics