Mathematics Advice and Offerings: Current Year 10 Students
Mathematics is not a compulsory subject in Year 11; however, it is highly recommended that you complete two units of Mathematics in Year 11.
Be certain of any Mathematical requirements (if any) that your pursuits after Year 12 will require.
Both Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics are demanding subjects
Foundation Mathematics
Learning Area Leader: Mrs Thomson
Foundation Mathematics is a relatively new course (started 2023) aiming to provide for the continuing mathematical development of students with respect to problems encountered in practical contexts in everyday life at home, in the community, at work and in study.
Career Paths / Future Directions: Foundation Maths Units 3 & 4 will have limited acceptance as a maths prerequisite for most universities, but there are some institutions that will accept this level of mathematics, particularly in areas such as education. As some universities are still monitoring and reviewing their mathematics prerequisites for 2026 courses and beyond, it is important that students monitor the maths prerequisites for the courses they are interested in. As a general guide, in the Prerequisite Guide, where it states, “any maths”, then Foundation Maths will be accepted, otherwise the universities will specifically state the level of mathematics required.
Mathematical Methods
Learning Area Leader: Mrs Thomson
Students who wish to study Units 3-4 Mathematical Methods need to have completed Units 1-2 Maths Methods.
Career Paths / Future Directions:
Mathematical Methods is a pre-requisite for some Tertiary courses. Career paths may include: Banking and Finance, Business, Biological and Physical, Sciences, Computer Programming, Statistics, Education, Engineering, Medicine.
Units 1 and 2 – Mathematical Methods (Code: MATM11, MATM22)
Description
A fully prescribed course of:
Algebra
Polynomial, Trigonometric and Exponential Functions and Graphs
Probability
Rates of Change and Calculus
Outcomes
Define and explain key concepts; apply mathematical routines and procedures.
Apply mathematical processes in non-routine contexts.
Use technology to investigate and solve problems.
Assessment
Demonstration of achievement of the outcomes is based on the student’s performance on a selection of the following tasks:
Assignments
Tests and Semester Examinations (some Tests and Examinations will be technology free)
Summary or review notes
Projects
Short written responses
Problem solving and modelling tasks.
Units 3 and 4 – Mathematical Methods (Code: MATM33, MATM44)
Description
A fully prescribed course of:
Coordinate geometry
Polynomial, power, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions and graphs
Calculus
Algebra
Probability distributions and functions Outcomes
Define and explain key concepts; apply mathematical routines and procedures.
Apply mathematical processes in non-routine contexts.
Use technology to investigate and solve problems.
Units 3 and 4 Assessment
Written Examination 1 = 20% (No calculators or notes permitted in Examination 1)
Written Examination 2 = 40% (Calculator and one bound reference permitted in Examination 2)
Units 3 and 4 Coursework = 40%