In many secondary schools, senior mathematics enrolments are declining, especially in the more demanding courses like Mathematical Methods and Specialist Maths. But at one large co-ed secondary school of 1,300 students, the opposite has happened.

Over the past few years, Blackburn High School has seen a noticeable rise in student confidence, achievement, and enrolment in senior maths subjects. And it all started with a strategic shift in how they approached teaching maths from Year 7 to 9.

The challenge: Broad ability ranges and inconsistent growth

Before 2019, Tony Lahy, Head of Mathematics, described the teaching of maths as “ad-hoc.”

“Differentiation is always the hardest part.” Tony explains. “Every class is different, but every class always has a broad spectrum of students and abilities. Catering for those differences was ad-hoc and never ideal.”

Despite the school’s strong academic focus, data outcomes like NAPLAN and VCE results weren’t where they wanted them to be.

“We knew we needed to do something different to lift student outcomes, particularly to support both ends of the ability range more effectively.”

The shift: A system-wide change to early secondary maths

In 2019, the Blackburn High School introduced the Instructive program across Years 7 to 9. The change required a mindset shift, especially for teachers and families more familiar with traditional textbook approaches.

“From a class and teacher management perspective, it was easy to implement. But we had to spend time supporting new teachers and managing early scepticism from parents” said Tony. 

“Ironically, the disruptions from COVID actually helped, many of the previously doubtful parents could see how effective the model was for independent learning.”

The leadership team committed to doing it properly from day one.

“Don’t half-do it. Go all in and do it properly. Support each other and visit each other’s classes regularly. No alternatives.”

The outcome: Record senior maths enrolments and achievement

The most impressive impact of this shift has been seen in senior maths.

The school now regularly runs:

• 3–4 Year 11 Mathematical Methods classes
• 1–2 Year 11 Specialist Maths classes
• 2–4 Year 12 Mathematical Methods classes
• 1 large Year 12 Specialist class

These are significant jumps from their pre-2019 numbers, where the school only ran 2–3 Methods and 1 Specialist class at most in Year 12.

And it’s not just about enrolments. Students are achieving highly, too, especially those accelerating into senior maths early.

“The first time we had Year 10 students doing General Maths Units 3/4, around two-thirds of them scored 40+ [study scores]. That’s a clear sign that the early preparation in Years 7–9 is paying off.”

This year, the school has 24 Year 10 students completing General Maths Units 3/4.

“It’s exciting to see. They’re gaining experience and exposure before Year 11, and their SAC results so far have been outstanding. We know they’re ready because they’ve already completed all the modules from Years 7 to 9.”

What’s working: Confidence, clarity, and momentum

The change hasn’t just boosted results, it’s also changed how students approach maths.

“The stronger students have really benefited from the independence the model gives them. And even the average student is now entering Year 10 with a much stronger foundation. They’re prepared for whatever path they choose.”

There’s also been a cultural shift. Teachers are using data more regularly to provide timely feedback, and student-teacher conversations about progress are more common.

“Alongside the system giving students confidence, the feedback and positive praise from teachers is making a real difference. The kids want to keep pushing themselves.”

What’s next: Strengthening consistency and continuing growth

While the program has clearly delivered, the team knows there’s still room to grow, particularly in Year 9 and with new staff onboarding.

“We’re better at balancing modules, direct teaching and problem-solving in Year 7 and 8. Year 9’s still a work in progress. And we want all teachers to use the data more proactively in their planning.”

The team is leaning on Instructive’s built-in professional development to support all teachers in the department, both graduates and experienced educators, to continuously strengthen their practice. 

But one thing is clear: the school has no intention of returning to the old way of doing things.

“I had 29 years of teaching before this program and I wouldn’t want to teach Year 7 to 9 maths without it now.”

Why it’s worked

Blackburn High School’s success highlights that when students have access to the right structure and support in the early years of secondary school, they’re far more likely to choose and succeed in senior maths.

“More students are doing General and Methods. Enrolments in Specialist are holding strong. And we’ve had more students complete all three senior maths courses than ever before.”

The key, as this school has shown, is building that strong foundation early, and doing it with intention.

Could it work at your school?

Blackburn High School isn’t the only school seeing increased enrolments in senior maths after implementing Instructive. If you’ve ever wondered whether the program could improve outcomes and engagement at your school, now’s the perfect time to find out. You can use Instructive free for the rest of the year — giving your students a head start and your teachers the tools to make a real impact, before 2026 begins.