In this study there is a strong emphasis on using mathematics in practical contexts relating to everyday life, recreation, work and study. Students are encouraged to use appropriate technology in all areas of their study. This is a study that can provide a level of flexibility and individuality for the needs of each student. It is particularly relevant for students who opt to undertake VM, or for students who desire a ‘real world’ practical knowledge of mathematical principles. The areas of study for Units 1 and 2 of Foundation Mathematics are ‘Space, shape and design’, ‘Patterns and number’, ‘Handling data’ and ‘Measurement’.

AREA OF STUDY 1 -Space, Shape and Design

In this area of study students cover the geometric properties of lines and curves, and shapes and objects, and their graphical and diagrammatic representations with attention to scale and drawing conventions used in domestic, societal, industrial and commercial plans, maps and diagrams. 

AREA OF STUDY 2 - Patterns and Number

In this area of study students cover estimation, the use and application of different forms of numbers and calculations, and the representation of patterns and generalisations in number including formulas and other algebraic expressions in everyday contexts. 

AREA OF STUDY 3 - Data

In this area of study students cover collection, presentation and analysis of gathered and provided data from community, work, recreation and media contexts, including consideration of suitable forms of representation and summaries.

AREA OF STUDY 4 -Measurement 

In this area of study students cover the use and application of the metric system and related measurement in a variety of domestic, societal, industrial and commercial contexts, including consideration of accuracy.

OUTCOMES

1. On completion of this unit the student should be able to use and apply a range of mathematical concepts, skills and procedures from selected areas of study to solve problems based on a range of everyday and real-life contexts. 

2. On completion of this unit the student should be able to apply mathematical procedures to solve practical problems in both familiar and new contexts, and communicate their results.

3. On completion of this unit the student should be able to select and use technology to solve problems in practical contexts. 

ASSESSMENT TASKS 

• investigations and projects; for example, a report on an application of mathematics such as costing of a birthday party, budgeting for a holiday, a survey of types of television programs or design of a car park 

• assignments, summary or review notes of mathematics that students have encountered in their work or study; for example, a written or a multimedia or an oral presentation of wages calculations, materials estimation for a task, personal budgeting

• tests of mathematical skills developed across application contexts

• Demonstration of achievement of Outcome 3 is based on the student’s performance on aspects of tasks completed in demonstrating achievement of Outcomes 1 and 2 that incorporate opportunity for the effective and appropriate use of technology

Foundation Mathematics Units 3 and 4 focus on providing students with the mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding to solve problems in real contexts for a range of workplace, personal, further learning, community and global settings relevant to contemporary society. 

In undertaking these units, students are expected to be able to apply techniques, routines and processes involving rational and real arithmetic, sets, lists and tables, contemporary data displays, diagrams, plans, geometric objects and constructions, algebra, algorithms, measures, equations and graphs, with and without the use of technology. They should have facility with relevant mental and by-hand approaches to estimation and computation. The use of numerical, graphical, geometric, symbolic and statistical functionality of technology for teaching and learning mathematics, for working mathematically, and in related assessment, is to be incorporated throughout each unit as applicable.

AREA OF STUDY 1 -Algebra, number and structure

In this area of study students cover estimation, the use and application of different forms of numbers and calculations, algorithmic and computational thinking, and the representation of formal mathematical expressions and processes including formulas and other algebraic expressions to solve practical problems in community, business and industry contexts.

AREA OF STUDY 2 -Data analysis, probability and statistics

In this area of study students cover collection, presentation and analysis of gathered and provided data from community, work, recreation and media contexts, including consideration of suitable forms of representation and summaries. This area of study incorporates the ability to critically reflect on statistical data and results, and to be able to communicate and report on the outcomes and any implications.

AREA OF STUDY 3 -Discrete mathematics

In this area of study students cover the use and application of different forms of numbers and calculations, relationships and formulae, and their application in relation to the analysis of, and critical reflection on, personal, local, national and global financial, consumer and global matters.

AREA OF STUDY 4 -Space and measurement

In this area of study students cover the use and application of the metric system and related measurement in a variety of domestic, societal, industrial and commercial contexts, including consideration of accuracy, precision and error.

OUTCOMES

1. On completion of this unit the student should be able to use and apply a range of mathematical concepts, skills and procedures from selected areas of study to solve problems based on a range of everyday and real-life contexts. 

2. On completion of this unit the student should be able to apply mathematical procedures to solve practical problems in both familiar and new contexts, and communicate their results.

3. On completion of this unit the student should be able to select and use technology to solve problems in practical contexts. 

ASSESSMENT TASKS 

• investigations and projects; for example, a report on an application of mathematics such as costing of a birthday party, budgeting for a holiday, a survey of types of television programs or design of a car park 

• assignments, summary or review notes of mathematics that students have encountered in their work or study; for example, a written or a multimedia or an oral presentation of wages calculations, materials estimation for a task, personal budgeting

• tests of mathematical skills developed across application contexts

• Demonstration of achievement of Outcome 3 is based on the student’s performance on aspects of tasks completed in demonstrating achievement of Outcomes 1 and 2 that incorporate opportunity for the effective and appropriate use of technology