Mathematics

The following courses are offered in Years 11-12 in the Mathematics faculty:

Mathematics Advanced

The Mathematics Advanced course is intended for students who have completed Pathway 5.2 and most 5.3 outcomes demonstrating excellent competence in all the skills included in 5.2 and general competences in 5.3. The course is a calculus-based course focused on developing student awareness of mathematics as a unique and powerful way of viewing the world to investigate order, relation, pattern, uncertainty and generality. This course is a sufficient basis for students whose future pathways may involve mathematics and its applications in a range of disciplines at the tertiary level. It provides a basis for further studies in disciplines in which mathematics and the skills that constitute thinking mathematically have an important role.

Mathematics Extension 1

The course includes the whole of the Mathematics Advanced course, it is intended for students who have demonstrated a mastery of the skills included in the Pathway 5.3 junior course and who are interested in the study of further skills and ideas in mathematics. The course enables students to develop thorough knowledge, understanding and skills in working mathematically and provides opportunities for students to develop rigorous mathematical arguments and proofs, and to use mathematical models extensively. This course is a recommended minimum basis for further studies in mathematics or related disciplines in which mathematics has a vital role at a tertiary level and for students whose future pathways may involve mathematics and its applications in such areas as science, engineering (STEM), finance and economics.

Mathematics Extension 2

The study of Mathematics Extension 2 provides opportunities to develop strong mathematical manipulative skills and a deep understanding of the fundamental ideas of algebra and calculus, as well as an awareness of mathematics as an activity with its own intrinsic value, involving invention, intuition and exploration. This course enables students to acquire progressively higher levels of knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to concepts within areas of mathematics that have applications in an increasing number of contexts. The Mathematics Extension 2 course is academically rigorous demanding diligent application, skills and creativity.

Mathematics in Trades

The students who study Mathematics in Trades Pathway (MITP) will benefit themselves when preparing for an apprenticeship entry assessment. By the end of the course students will gain confidence and ability to be successful in apprenticeship with proficient and practical numeracy skills. This program aims to ensure students can achieve workplace numeracy requirements as required in the Australian Core Skills Framework, including all Year 11 foundational outcomes ( outcomes) of Mathematics Standard course and all outcomes of the Year 12 Mathematics Standard 1 course.

This course is highly recommended to the students who are thinking of doing any of the VET courses (such as Construction and Metals & Engineering) because it will increase completion rates of students receiving full qualification once they completed the program.

Mathematics Standard 1

Mathematics Standard 1 course students may elect to undertake an optional HSC examination. The content of the course aligns with Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework. The course focus enables students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in working mathematically and in communicating concisely and precisely, it has direct application to everyday life and practical mathematics for the home and workplace. It is ideal for students entering the trades or traineeships. To be eligible for an ATAR, students studying the Mathematics Standard 1 course must undertake a pattern of study to satisfy the ATAR requirements and complete the optional HSC examination. For the purposes of calculating the ATAR, no more than 2 units from Category B courses can be included.

Mathematics Standard 2

All students studying the Mathematics Standard 2 course will sit for a HSC examination. Students completing this course qualify for an ATAR. Students will have the opportunity to enhance their numeracy skills and capabilities. The content of the course aligns with Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework. The course focus enables students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in working mathematically and in communicating concisely and precisely, it provides opportunities for students to consider various applications of mathematics in a broad range of contemporary contexts through the use of mathematical modelling and use these models to solve problems related to their present and future needs. It is ideal for students entering the workforce or undertaking further tertiary training.

Numeracy

The Numeracy Stage 6 Content Endorsed Course is a new course focused on the development and consolidation of core numeracy skills. These skills will be developed through authentic and relevant learning scenarios such as budgeting, shopping, record and account keeping, and a range of real- life activities requiring numeracy. The course is aligned to the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) Level 3, a nationally agreed level of functional numeracy. This course is appropriate for students who need further opportunities to develop essential numeracy skills required for everyday life, including work, learning, community engagement and personal contexts. This may include students who are yet to demonstrate achievement of the HSC minimum standard in numeracy. The Numeracy course supports students to develop the core numeracy skills required to become active and successful participants in society.