The Mathematics Standard courses are focused on enabling students to use mathematics effectively, efficiently and critically to make informed decisions in their daily lives. They provide students with the opportunities to develop an understanding of, and competence in, further aspects of mathematics through a large variety of real-world applications for a range of concurrent HSC subjects.
The study of Mathematics Standard in Stage 6 enables students to develop their knowledge and understanding of what it means to work mathematically, improve their skills to solve problems relating to their present and future needs and aspirations, and improve their understanding of how to communicate in a concise and systematic manner.
Students of the Mathematics Standard 1 and Mathematics Standard 2 courses study a common Year 11 course, Mathematics Standard Year 11. This course is broken into 4 main topic areas as shown in the table to the left.
At the end of the Year 11 course, students will undertake either the Standard 1 or Standard 2 pathway depending on Year 11 results and student aspirations.
The Year 12 Mathematics Standard 1 course is designed for those students who are interested in pursuing pathways into TAFE, trade and other occupations that do not require further study at a university level. It is a Category B subject that may or may not count towards a students ATAR depending on whether they select to undertake the optional HSC examination.
Mathematics Standard 1 improves numeracy by building student confidence and making mathematics meaningful. Numerate students can manage situations or solve problems in everyday life, work or further learning.
The study of Mathematics Standard 1 in Stage 6:
enables students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in working mathematically and in communicating concisely and precisely
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
provides an appropriate mathematical background for students entering the workforce and/or undertaking further community and workplace training.
The Mathematics Standard 2 course is a Category A subject with students undertaking a mandatory HSC examination which can count towards their ATAR providing it is in their best 10 units.
In Mathematics Standard 2 students extend their mathematical skills beyond Stage 5 without the in-depth knowledge of higher mathematics that the study of calculus would provide. This course prepares students for a wide range of educational and employment aspirations, including continuing their studies at a tertiary level.
The study of Mathematics Standard 2 in Stage 6:
enables students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in working mathematically and in communicating concisely and precisely
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
provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of and skills in further aspects of mathematics for concurrent HSC studies
provides an appropriate mathematical background for students entering the workforce or undertaking further tertiary training.
As Mathematics Standard 2 is a Category A course, all students studying Mathematics Standard 2 will sit for a mandatory HSC examination. The examination mark may be used by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) to contribute to the student’s Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), provided their result in this course would be within their best 10 units.
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.
Note: Students wishing to receive an ATAR who undertake both Mathematics Standard 1 and English Studies (Category B) need to be aware that, in this situation, their result in Mathematics Standard 1 would not count towards their ATAR. This is due to the NESA regulations that both courses are classified as Category B courses, a maximum of one Category B course can be used in the calculation of an ATAR, and a students 2 units of English must be counted.
Students wishing to undertake the Standard 1 pathway are encouraged to read the NESA document listed below for examples of patterns of study involving Mathematics Standard 1 that would contribute towards an HSC and/or ATAR.
NESA - HSC Mathematics Standard 1 - Information for students
Coursework
Complete all class work and regularly attend to homework and revision.
Suitable Candidates
Students who have achieved high results in the 5.1/5.2 pathway have generally developed the skills required to achieve a solid result in Stage 6 Mathematics Standard. This includes students who have attempted the 5.2/5.3 pathway (the A class) but found the course challenging or time-consuming. Students from the A,B,C classes are the general candidates for Stage 6 Standard. Students from the D class will need to have achieved exceptional results to consider studying Standard in Years 11 and 12.
Career Paths
Mathematics Standard 2 provides an appropriate background for students who do not wish to study Mathematics at a tertiary level while giving a strong foundation for university study in areas of business, humanities, sports and exercise sciences, nursing and paramedical sciences. It is designed to support TAFE and other vocational courses and will give a solid background to employment in a variety of vocations.
Equipment Required
Students require an approved scientific calculator (preferably a Casio-fx-82au plus11), a notebook and would benefit from a home PC or laptop. Calculators may be purchased from the school front office.
Other Course Costs
HSC General Mathematics 2 students are advised to purchase an appropriate study guide, costing approximately $35.
Mandatory Course Fees? No
Coordinating Faculty
Mathematics
Head Teacher
Ms. K Jenkins