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Mathematics throughout K-12
Mathematics throughout K-12
Mathematics falls within the Stage structure of the NSW Education system as shown on the left.
There are two important considerations specific to Mathematics:
Schools have been given flexibility to tailor the Mathematics Syllabus in Stage 5 to suit the current learning needs and future intentions of their students.
There are a range of Mathematics subject options in Stage 6:
Year 11
No Mathematics
Mathematics Life Skills
Numeracy
Standard
Advanced
Advanced plus Extension .
Year 12
No Mathematics
Mathematics Life Skills
Numeracy
Standard 1, with optional HSC Exam
Standard 2
Advanced
Advanced plus Extension 1
Advanced plus Extension 1 and 2.
These Stage 6 options have a significant impact on students’ futures, especially in relation to what they would like to study at university.
Of particular focus for this guide: Stage 5 Mathematics has a significant impact on Stage 6 options.
Stage 5 Mathematics
Stage 5 Mathematics
The focus of this guide is Stage 5 Mathematics. This subject differs from others, as the topics are organised using a Core-Paths structure, where students progress through a series of topics labelled as Core topics and Path topics.
All topics within this progression are organised using the three strands:
Number and Algebra
Measurement and Space
Statistics and Probability
In order to best prepare students for future studies, in Stage 5 the NSW syllabus gives schools the flexibility to make decisions about the content covered by students in:
The degree of difficulty with which concepts are explored,
The depth of treatment within each topic, and
The breadth of topics that are studied by various students.
The Core-Paths Structure
The Core-Paths Structure
The Core-Paths structure intends to encourage aspiration in students. It provides solid foundations for students to work towards the highest level of achievement. It intends to extend students as far along the continuum of possible, resulting in diverse endpoints at the end of Stage 5. It is not the intention of the Core-Paths structure to lock students into pre-determined pathways during or at the end of Stage 4.
NESA explains the intent of the Core-Paths structure using a rock climbing analogy as shown below.
Core Topics
Core Topics
Provide students with the foundation for Mathematics Standard 2 in Stage 6.
Students requiring ongoing support in completing these may consider Mathematics Standard 1 or Numeracy CEC course in Stage 6.
Path Topics
Path Topics
Help to prepare students for Stage 6 and are linked to one or more Stage 6 courses.
Aim to cover as many Paths as practicable, so teachers have the option of engaging with specific elements of Paths.
Can be covered at any point in Stage 4 or 5.
At Inner Sydney High School, we aim to provide students with access to the Core topics and as many Path topics as possible during Years 9 and 10, so they are well-prepared for Year 11 and can ‘keep the door open’ for STEM-related pathways in Years 11, 12, and into university.
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