Embedded Files
Is this the right maths for me?
Is this the right maths for me?
Watch the following brief video that explains all of the different mathematics subjects and suggests some possible mathematical pathways for you to consider before making your final choice.
Foundation Mathematics Units 1 and 2
Foundation Mathematics Units 1 and 2
Rationale
Rationale
This study is designed to provide access to worthwhile and challenging mathematical learning in a way which takes into account the interests, needs, dispositions and aspirations of a wide range of students, and introduces them to key aspects of the discipline. It is also designed to promote students’ awareness of the importance of mathematics in everyday life in a technological society, and to develop confidence and the disposition to make effective use of mathematical concepts, processes and skills in practical and theoretical contexts.
Structure
Structure
The study is made up of the following units:
Foundation Mathematics Units 1 and 2
Each unit deals with specific content contained in areas of study and is designed to enable students to achieve a set of three outcomes for that unit. Each outcome is described in terms of key knowledge and key skills.
Foundation Mathematics Units 1 and 2 are completely prescribed and provide for the continuing mathematical development of students entering VCE. In general, these students would not intend to undertake Unit 3 and 4 studies in VCE Mathematics in the following year. However, students who do well in these units and undertake some supplementary study of selected topics could proceed to Further Mathematics Units 3 and 4.
Disclaimer: Changes to the VCAA Maths Studies in 2023
Disclaimer: Changes to the VCAA Maths Studies in 2023
There are currently proposed changes to the Course Design for all VCE Mathematics subjects which may come into effect in 2023. One of the proposals is to provide Foundation Maths at Unit 3 and 4, so this may be an option for you. However, as this is not yet confirmed, we would recommend that if you want to continue the study of maths into year 12 in 2023, it would be best to choose General Maths in Year 11 rather than Foundation.
Entry
Entry
There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1, 2 and 3. All VCE studies are benchmarked against comparable national and international curriculum. There are no restrictions on the number of units students may obtain credit towards satisfactory completion of the VCE.
Foundation Mathematics Units 1 and 2
In Foundation Mathematics there is a strong emphasis on the use of mathematics in practical contexts encountered in everyday life in the community, at work and at study. The areas of study for Units 1 and 2 of Foundation Mathematics are ‘Space, shape and design’, ‘Patterns and number’, ‘Data’ and ‘Measurement’.
All four areas of study are to be completed over the two units. The content should be developed using contexts present in students’ other studies, work and personal or other familiar situations. 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, diagrams and geometric constructions, 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.
Assessment
Assessment
Satisfactory completion
The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on the teacher’s decision that the student has demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit. Demonstration of achievement of outcomes and satisfactory completion of a unit are determined by evidence gained through the assessment of a range of learning activities and tasks. Schools will report a student’s result for each unit to the VCAA as S (Satisfactory) or N (Not Satisfactory).
Levels of achievement
Units 1 and 2
Procedures for the assessment of levels of achievement in Units 1 and 2 are a matter for school decision. Assessment of levels of achievement for these units will not be reported to the VCAA. Schools may choose to report levels of achievement using grades, descriptive statements or other indicators.
Click on the link to take you to the VCAA site.
Area of Study 1
Space, shape and design
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.
This area of study includes:
geometric conventions and properties of shapes and objects
interpretation and use of plans, elevations, maps, models and diagrams
application and use of similarity and symmetry
enlargement and reduction of diagrams and models
interpretation and use of location, distance, direction and scale on diagrams, maps and plans
application of Pythagoras’ theorem in practical situations.
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.
This area of study includes:
application of integers, decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, percentages and rates to solve practical problems
estimation, approximation and reasonableness of results
use and interpretation of formulas and algebraic expressions to describe relationships between variables and to model patterns
manipulation and solution of expressions and equations to solve problems including predicting a required quantity or finding a break-even point.
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.
This area of study includes:
features, conventions and terminology used when representing information in diagrammatic, graphical and tabular forms
collection and representation of data in diagrammatic, tabular and graphical forms
interpretation of diagrams, charts, tables and graphs
use of measures of central tendency (averages) and spread to summarise and interpret data
comparison and interpretation of data sets.
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.
This area of study includes:
application and use of metric units and measures, including derived measures
interpretation of scales on digital and analogue instruments
solution of personal, societal and workplace problems involving metric measurement with consideration of error, required accuracy and tolerances
estimation and approximation strategies
interpretation and use of time and duration including time and date specifications, conventions, schedules, timetables and time zones.
Report abuse