12 Mathematics

Year 12 Mathematics Overview

Students are required to successfully complete 10 credits (1 semester) of Mathematics (Stage 1 or above) to meet the compulsory numeracy requirement of the SACE. In Year 12, they study one of the courses below for the full year:

Essential Mathematics / Length: Full Year

Course Content

Essential Mathematics offers senior secondary students the opportunity to extend their mathematical skills in ways that apply to practical problem solving in everyday and workplace contexts. Students apply their mathematics to diverse settings, including everyday calculations, financial management, business applications, measurement and geometry, and statistics in social contexts. Topics include: Scales, Plans and Models, Measurement, Business Applications, Statistics and Investments and Loans.

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General Mathematics / Length: Full Year

Course Content

General Mathematics extends students’ mathematical skills in ways that apply to practical problem solving. A problem-based approach is integral to the development of mathematical models and the associated key concepts in the topics. Topics cover a diverse range of applications of mathematics, including personal financial management, the statistical investigation process, modelling using linear and non-linear functions, and discrete modelling using networks and matrices. Topics include: Modelling with Linear Relationships, Modelling with Matrices, Statistical Models, Financial Models and Discrete Models.

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Mathematical Methods / Length: Full Year

Course Content

Mathematical Methods develops an increasingly complex and sophisticated understanding of calculus and statistics. By using functions and their derivatives and integrals, and by mathematically modelling physical processes, students develop a deep understanding of the physical world through a sound knowledge of relationships involving rates of change. Students use statistics to describe and analyse phenomena that involve uncertainty and variation. Topics include: Further Differentiation and Applications, Discrete Random Variables, Integral Calculus, Logarithmic Functions, Continuous Random Variables and the Normal Distribution, Sampling and Confidence Intervals.

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Specialist Mathematics / Length: Full Year

Course Content

Specialist Mathematics draws on and deepens students’ mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding, and provides opportunities for students to develop their skills in using rigorous mathematical arguments and proofs, and using mathematical models. It includes the study of functions and calculus. The subject leads to study in a range of tertiary courses such as mathematical sciences, engineering, computer science and physical sciences. Students envisaging careers in related fields will benefit from studying this subject. Specialist Mathematics is designed to be studied in conjunction with Mathematical Methods. Topics include: Mathematical Induction, Complex Numbers, Functions and Sketching Graphs, Vectors in Three Dimensions, Integration Techniques and Applications, Rates of Change and Differential Equations.

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