Mathematics Extension 2

Prerequisites:

This fourth unit of study is a one-year course available only to students in Year 12 who are undertaking, or who have completed, the Year 12 Mathematics Extension 1 course. 

This course is designed for students who have a special aptitude for mathematics and have excelled within the Extension 1 Mathematics course. Only students who have demonstrated a high level of success within the Extension 1 Mathematics course should consider attempting this course.

The Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 course has been developed on the assumption that students have studied the content and achieved the outcomes of the Mathematics Advanced Year 11 course and the Mathematics Extension 1 Year 11 course. The Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 course has also been constructed on the assumption that students are concurrently studying the Mathematics Advanced course and the Mathematics Extension 1 Year 12 course.

Exclusions:

Students may not study Mathematics Standard 1 and Mathematics Standard 2. 

Course description:

The Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 course includes the Mathematics Extension 1 Year 12 course and the Mathematics Advanced Year 12 course. The Stage 6 Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Extension 2 courses form a continuum. All students studying the Mathematics Extension 2 course will sit for an HSC examination.

The study of Mathematics Extension 2 in Stage 6:

• enables students to develop strong knowledge, understanding and skills in working mathematically and in communicating concisely and precisely

• 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

• provides opportunities at progressively higher levels for students to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to concepts within areas of mathematics that have applications in an increasing number of contexts

• provides a basis for progression to further study in mathematics or related disciplines and in which mathematics has a vital role at tertiary level

• provides an appropriate mathematical background for students whose future pathways will be founded in mathematics and its applications in such areas as science, engineering, finance and economics.

Course content:

This course is a 1 Unit Additional HSC course that builds on the Mathematics Extension 1 course as well as treating several other major topics. 

Year 12 Mathematics Extension 2 Content:

• Further development of many Extension 1 topics, and 

• Proof, Vectors, Complex Numbers, Calculus, Mechanics

Course requirements:

A scientific calculator is essential for any student studying a Mathematics course.  A nominal fee is charged to cover the purchase of an online Mathematical revision and practise program. 

Assessment procedures:

In addition to the assessment tasks across all of the content of the course there are two written examination papers. One paper is identical to the paper two hours duration for the Mathematics Extension 1 course. The other paper is based on the Mathematics Extension 2 course and is of three hours duration.