Mathematics Standard 1

Board Developed Course - 2 Units for each of Preliminary and HSC

Course description

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 opportunities to develop an understanding of, and competence in, aspects of mathematics through real-world applications. Mathematics Standard Year 11 provides a pathway for students who progress through the Core outcomes of the Mathematics 7–10 Syllabus (2022). This course is designed for students who want to extend their mathematical skills beyond Stage 5, gain further knowledge of mathematical concepts and apply these skills and knowledge in practical contexts.

In Year 12, Mathematics Standard 1 provides an opportunity for students to continue to master aspects of the Year 11 outcomes and develop their mathematical knowledge and understanding through applications and modelling. This supports students to see the significance of mathematics and have the opportunity to prepare for post-school employment or further training.

Mathematics Standard 2 provides a pathway for students to extend their mathematical thinking through examining more complex content, and through applications and modelling. The Mathematics Standard 2 course offers students the opportunity to prepare for a wide range of educational and employment aspirations.

What students learn

The study of Mathematics Standard in year 11:

• 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.

Year 11 course

The Mathematics Standard Year 11 course comprises four Topics, with the Topics divided into Subtopics.

Algebra

• Formulas and equations

• Linear relationships

Financial Mathematics

• Earning money

• Managing money

Measurement

• Applications of measurement

• Time and location

Networks

• Networks, paths and trees

Statistics

• Data analysis

Year 12 course

Mathematics Standard 1 provides opportunities for students to build confidence and make mathematics meaningful. Students develop their mathematical knowledge and understanding through applying and modelling to prepare for post-school employment or further training. The HSC external examination in Mathematics Standard 1 is not compulsory. Students may choose to sit for an optional HSC examination.    

Should a student seek an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), the examination mark may be used by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) to contribute to the calculation of the ATAR.    

Mathematics Standard 2 provides a pathway for students to extend their mathematical thinking by examining more complex content, and through applications and modelling.

Through the study of Mathematics Standard 1, students:

• develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in Working mathematically and in communicating concisely and systematically

• consider various applications of mathematics in a broad range of contemporary contexts through mathematical modelling and use these models to solve problems related to their present and future needs

• gain an appropriate mathematical background for post-school employment or further training.

Through the study of Mathematics Standard 2, students:

• develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in Working mathematically and in communicating concisely and systematically

• consider various applications of mathematics in a broad range of contemporary contexts through mathematical modelling and use these models to solve problems related to their present and future needs

• develop an understanding of, and skills in, further aspects of mathematics for concurrent HSC studies

• gain an appropriate mathematical background for a wide range of educational and employment aspirations.

The Year 11 course is undertaken by all students intending to study either the Year 12 Mathematics Standard 1 course or the Year 12 Mathematics Standard 2 course.

Year 12 Standard 1 course structure

Algebra

• Algebraic relationships

Financial mathematics

• Investment

• Depreciation and loans

Measurement

• Right-angled triangles

• Ratios and rates

Statistics

• Bivariate data analysis

• Relative frequency and probability

Year 12 Standard 2 course structure

Algebra

• Algebraic relationships

Financial mathematics

• Investment and loans

• Annuities

Measurement

• Trigonometry

• Ratios and rates

Networks

• Network flow

• Critical path analysis

Statistics

• Bivariate data analysis

• Relative frequency and probability

• The normal distribution

Mathematics Standard 1 HSC examination specifications

The examination will consist of a written paper worth 80 marks.

Time allowed: 2 hours plus 10 minutes reading time.

A reference sheet will be provided.

NESA-approved calculators may be used.

The paper will consist of two sections.

Section I (15 marks)

• There will be objective-response questions to the value of 15 marks.

Section II (65 marks)

• Questions may contain parts.

• There will be 25 to 30 items.

• At least two items will be worth 4 or 5 marks.

Mathematics Standard 2 HSC examination specifications

The examination will consist of a written paper worth 100 marks.

Time allowed: 2 hours and 30 minutes plus 10 minutes reading time.

A reference sheet will be provided.

NESA-approved calculators may be used.

The paper will consist of two sections.

Section I (15 marks)

• There will be objective-response questions to the value of 15 marks.

Section II (85 marks)

• Questions may contain parts.

• There will be 35 to 40 items.

• At least two items will be worth 4 or 5 marks.

Industries related to Mathematics Standard 1 and Standard 2

The knowledge and skills developed in this course can be applied across a range of career pathways.

Industries related to this course include, but are not limited to, the following outlined on the Your Career website:

• Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services

• Financial and Insurance Services

• Information Media and Telecommunications

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

• Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services

Assessment:  HSC course only