Mathematics Programs

VCE MATHEMATICS PROGRAMS

The Mathematics Program is designed to provide access to worthwhile and challenging mathematical learning in a way that takes into account the needs and aspirations of a wide range of student abilities.

It is also designed to promote students’ awareness of the importance of mathematics in everyday life in an increasingly technological society, and confidence in making effective use of mathematical ideas, techniques and processes.

All students in all the mathematical units offered would apply knowledge and skills, model, investigate and solve problems, and use technology to support learning mathematics and its application in different contexts.

In 2024, there are three streams of Mathematics offered in the Senior Years Program which lead on to Year 12 subjects as follows:

• General Mathematics 1-2 → General Mathematics 3-4

• Mathematical Methods 1-2 → Mathematical Methods 3-4

• Specialist Maths 1-2  → Specialist Maths 3-4

General Maths 1-2

General Mathematics provides a solid grounding in maths in the senior years for students, particularly in the areas of statistics, data analysis and modelling which are particularly relevant for today’s careers pathways. This subject caters for a diverse range of student aspirations and leads into General Mathematics 3-4. The areas of study are:

• Unit 1: Data distribution, Computational arithmetic, Linear equations, Linear Modelling and Graphs.

• Unit 2: Bivariate Data, Patterns and recursion, Trigonometry, Shape and Measurement.

General Mathematics Units 3-4

General Mathematics Units 3 and 4 focus on real-life application of mathematics and consist of the areas of study ‘Data analysis, probability and statistics’ and ‘Discrete mathematics’. Unit 3 comprises Data Analysis, Recursion and Financial Modelling, while Unit 4 comprises Matrices, Networks and Decision Mathematics. General Mathematics 1-2 or Mathematical Methods 1-2 is a pre-requisite for this subject. 

Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2

This course is designed as preparation for Mathematical Methods Units 3-4 and explores concepts of mathematical functions, graphs and transformations. Mathematical Methods Units 1-2 has a strong focus on algebra, calculus and probability. Successful completion of Mathematical Methods Units 1-2 is compulsory before undertaking Units 3-4 

Mathematical Methods Units 3 - 4

Mathematical Methods Unit 3-4 consists of the following areas of study - functions and graphs; calculus; algebra and probability. The course builds upon the mathematical foundations established in the Mathematical Methods Units 1-2 program, which is a pre-requisite for this subject.

Specialist Maths 1-2

This course is designed as preparation for Specialist Mathematics Units 3-4 and builds upon the content presented within the Mathematical Methods curriculum.

Specialist Mathematics Units 1-2 has a strong focus on algebra, calculus and probability, including mathematical proofs and graphing. Successful completion of Specialist Mathematics Units 1-2 is compulsory before undertaking Units 3-4. 

Specialist Maths 3-4

Specialist Mathematics Unit 3-4 consists of the following areas of study - discrete mathematics; functions, relations and graphs; algebra, number and structure; calculus; space and measurement; and data analysis, probability and statistics.

The course builds upon the mathematical foundations established in both the Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics Units 1-2 programs, which are a pre-requisite for this subject. 

Entry Requirements

Students undertaking Mathematical Methods Units 1-2 are expected to have a solid background in number, algebra, function, and probability. Additional preparatory work will be advisable for any student who wishes to undertake Mathematical Methods Unit 2 without completing Mathematical Methods Unit 1. Proof of this preparation will be required. Students must complete Unit 3 prior to undertaking Unit 4.

Students are encouraged to study a combination of General Mathematics and Mathematical Methods if they believe that they can meet the requirements of both programs.

Assessment

Satisfactory Completion: Demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit.

Levels of Achievement

Units 1 and 2 Maths Studies

A range of school based assessment tasks, including end of unit exams, will be utilised to record the standard achieved by students.

Unit 3 and 4 Maths Studies

 General Mathematics 3-4

• Unit 3 school-assessed coursework: 24 % 

• Unit 4 school-assessed coursework: 16 %

• Unit 3 and 4 examination 1: 30 % 

• Unit 3 and 4 examination 2: 30 %

Mathematical Methods 3-4

• Unit 3 school-assessed coursework: 20 % 

• Unit 4 school-assessed coursework: 20 %

• Unit 3 and 4 examination 1: 20 % 

• Unit 3 and 4 examination 2: 40 %

Specialist Mathematics 3&4

• •  Unit 3 school-assessed coursework: 20 %

  • Unit 4 school-assessed coursework: 20 %

  • Unit 3 and 4 examination 1: 20 %

  • Unit 3 and 4 examination 2: 40 %