Head of Mathematics – Rolien Van der Merwe
Welcome to the Chesterhouse Mathematics department. As the head of one of the most important and often the least understood subjects, I work alongside my colleagues, Robyn Kirsten and Michelle Lubbe. For some mathematics is hard work to “get” while for others it is as easy as eating a slice of cake. Mathematics is also a subject that often determines a degree of choice at university or other tertiary institutions so it is critical for our children. We love teaching mathematics at Chesterhouse and there is no greater sense of satisfaction when a child who has been fighting a personal battle with mathematics begins the process of achieving the results that he/ she expects of him or herself.
We look forward to working with your child and watching their successes at Chesterhouse.
Rolien Van der Merwe
BSc;
HOD Bed;
VDO Computer studies SG
Overview of Mathematics at Chesterhouse
The Mathematics Department strives to teach our pupils the mathematical knowledge, principles and skills they need to be successful in their examinations, in such a way that they can enjoy and be enthusiastic about this challenging subject. We want to develop young people who can think creatively and logically, who can generate many solutions to a problem and then have the ability to choose an appropriate one, checking and interpreting the results. Pupils are encouraged to be confident to apply their mathematical knowledge in everyday situations. They are equipped with a high level of knowledge and skills and must be able to extend what was learnt in the classroom, to life outside school. In this way we build successful members of society.
We willingly take part in the University of Cape Town’s Mathematics Competition every year and are happy to tell you that our children achieve wonderful results.
As with all our other academic departments we work closely in curriculum development and moderation with our teachers to Grade 5 level in our Junior School. This is to ensure that the curriculum stipulations are met and that our children are familiarised with the demands of the High School curriculum.
Studying mathematics at school, whether to IGCSE Level or extended to AS Level will provide our children who leave our school in their matric year with a firm foundation for further study in any field of their choice.
Robyn Kirsten
Michelle Lubbe
