Stage 1 Specialist Mathematics

Stage 1 Specialist Mathematics | Full Year (20 credits)

Mathematics develops an increasingly complex and sophisticated understanding of calculus, statistics, mathematical arguments, and proofs, and using mathematical models. By using functions, 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.

Stage 1 Specialist Mathematics provides the foundation for further study in mathematics in Stage 2 Specialist Mathematics.

Specialist Mathematics can be a pathway to mathematical sciences, engineering, space science, and laser physics. Specialist Mathematics is designed to be studied in conjunction with Mathematical Methods.

Learning Requirements

The learning requirements summarise the knowledge, skills, and understanding that students are expected to develop and demonstrate through their learning in Stage 1 Mathematics.

In this subject, students are expected to:

1. understand mathematical concepts, demonstrate mathematical skills, and apply mathematical techniques

2. investigate and analyse mathematical information in a variety of contexts

3. think mathematically by posing questions, solving problems, applying models, and making and testing conjectures

4. interpret results, draw conclusions, and determine the reasonableness of solutions in context

5. make discerning use of electronic technology

6. communicate mathematically and present mathematical information in a variety of ways.

Content

Specialist Mathematics at Stage 1 builds on the mathematical knowledge, understanding, and skills that students have developed in Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability during Year 10.

Stage 1 Mathematics is organised into topics that broaden students’ mathematical experience, and provide a variety of contexts for incorporating mathematical arguments and problem-solving. The topics provide a blending of algebraic and geometric thinking. In this subject there is a progression of content, applications, and level of sophistication and abstraction.

Stage 1 Specialist Mathematics consists of the following six topics:

Topic 1: Vectors in the plane

Topic 2: Arithmetic and geometric sequences and series Topic 3: Further trigonometry

Topic 4: Geometry

Topic 5: Real and complex numbers Topic 6: Matrices

Assessment

Assessment Type 1: Skills and Applications Tasks

Assessment Type 2: Mathematical Investigation