Grade 8 Distance Learning Strands and Sub-strands

The Grade 8 distance learning units (also called strands and sub-strands) in this article is for the Grade 8 students who are studying at a FODE (Flexible, Open and Distance Education) in the provincial centres. We simplify the main mathematics topics to make revision easier when planning and preparing for the Grade 8 mathematics examination.

Grade 8 Distance Learning

The Grade 8 distance learning mathematics units continue from the Grade 7 units. That is why it is important to understand the Grade 7 units well before moving on to the Grade 8 units.

Take a look at the checklist for Grade 7 units (strands and sub-strands).

In Grade 8 Mathematics, there are 6 material aids or books for students for each strand/core unit they are doing via the distance learning course.  Each book corresponds to one of the six strands (and further broken down to sub-strands, FODE info page.

The general guide to Grade 8 Distance Learning maths content areas are listed below.

Grade 8 Mathematics Distance Learning Core Units/Strands

Grade 8 Numbers and Application

• fractions
• decimals
• percentages
• ratios and rates

Grade 8 Space and Shapes

• angles and shapes
• circles
• similarity and scale drawing
• tessellation

Grade 8 Measurement (I)

• length
• area
• surface area
• volume and capacity

Grade 8 Measurement (II)

• weights
• temperature
• time
• maps and coordinates

Grade 8 Chance and Data 

• graphs
• statistics
• sets
• probability

Grade 8 Patterns and Algebra

• algebraic expressions
• indices
• polynomials
• mathematical equations

Grade 8 Maths units Vs mainstream school units

There is no major difference between the mathematics topics inscribed in the syllabus as far as the mainstream schools and distance learning modes are concerned.

The main difference is that the main schools have teachers there 2-4-7 – all the time to teach and guide the students. Whereas, distance learning such as the FODE concept is self-paced where students learn at their pace.

The main syllabus topic for Grade 7 – 8 in mainstream schools can be found here.

Know the study units

In the FODE course booklet, each strand is divided into 4 sub-strands and each sub-strand consists of 5 to 7 lessons. That is 6 strands and 24 sub-strands altogether. In the coursebook, the students will find the:

• Exercises,
• Practice Questions, and
• a Summary of Lessons.

Note that the answers to the Practice Questions are usually given at the end of the main strand.

Submit Grade 8 assignments

Each strand has one assignment. For the 6 strands in the Grade 8 FODE course, students will do 6 assignments. Here is FODE’s expectation:

You will study Strand 1 and do Assignment 1 at the same time. Then you will study Strand 2 and do Assignment 2 at the same time, and so on up to Strand 6 and Assignment 6.

When you have completed your assignment for each strand, you must submit it immediately for marking. In fact, FODE is flexible about when to submit your completed assignment. But as a self-paced student, you should aim to complete your work and submit it promptly to your study centre for marking.

Students who are studying at a Registered Study Centre must give their completed Assignments to their Supervisor for marking. Other students who study at home or in the provinces must send their completed assignments to their Provincial Study Centres for marking.

The study centres are also where students follow up on their assessment marks.

Grade 8 Mathematics Questions and Answers

Students who wish to get practise maths questions and answers can download them here. The questions are from the Grade 8 past exam papers. Though the papers are from the mainstream schools, they are also the best questions to practise for your mathematics examination at the end of Grade 8.

We encourage you to download them and practice them at your own time. Leave a comment below if you need help.

The latest Grade 8 mathematics exam papers are password-protected. We will release them password before the Grade 8 mathematics examination. Check them out.

FODE Application and Enrollment Information

We compiled some information about application and enrollment for distance education at FODE. The article contains specific details about how to apply, and provide further information on Grades 7 – 10 course programs. Click here.

The information is for those students who are starting as new students. So, if you have enrolled, you can use the resources we provide here for study and revisions purposes.

We hope you find this resource useful as you strive to get the education you deserve. PNG Insight Mathematics is an independent website. We do not represent the Department of Education or FODE. We provide the resource here as learning guides only.

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