Mathematics

Learning Area Leader: Mrs Thomson

FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS 

Major Focus – Introduction and Preparation for VCE Foundation Mathematics

This subject is ideal for students who are wanting to study VM or VET related subjects, who have studied Year 9 Foundation Maths or who need assistance in developing their mathematical skills.

This course and assessments has a focus on real life applications of Mathematics, and the work is presented in a way that enables students to gain confidence and come to appreciate mathematics as an essential and relevant part of everyday life.

Please note that this course provides a pathway to VCE Foundation Mathematics ONLY. It does not provide adequate preparation for VCE General Mathematics, Methods or Specialist.

Topics

·         Number skills

·         Financial Maths

·         Geometry

·         Probability and Statistics

·         Measurement

·         Pythagoras Theorem

Year 10 GENERAL MATHEMATICS 

Major Focus – Introduction and Preparation for VCE General Mathematics               

This is an option for students who are wanting to study General Mathematics at VCE, which is the mainstream level of Mathematics. General Mathematics is the most commonly chosen Mathematics option at VCE level and covers Mathematics with real life applications.

Please note that this course does not prepare students for VCE Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics. Topics covered include:

• Statistics and Data

• Sequences 

•  Financial Mathematics

• Pythagoras Theorem and Trigonometry

• Probability    

• Networks 

• Matrices 

Year 10 METHODS 

Major Focus – Introduction and Preparation for VCE Mathematical Methods                                                       

This option is recommended for students who studied Year 9 Advanced Mathematics who are wishing to study Mathematical Methods in VCE. Mathematical Methods is a subject that demands a higher ability and dedication in Mathematics.

The content in this course is challenging and has a significant workload, it is highly recommended students considering this course meet the minimum achievement standards listed below:

·         Average greater than 70% across Year 9 Advanced Mathematics or greater than 90% across Year 9 General Mathematics

·         Year 9 Teacher recommendation

·         Displaying positive study habits

Topics

·         Indices and Surds

·         Quadratic Expressions and Equations

·         Circular Functions

·         Linear Equations & Simultaneous Equations

·         Probability

·         Non-linear relationships and graphing

Year 10 SPECIALIST

Major Focus – Introduction and Preparation for VCE Mathematical Methods and Specialist

This option is for students who thrived in Year 9 Advanced Mathematics and are wishing to study Mathematical Methods and potentially Specialist Mathematics in VCE. 

It is important to note that both VCE subjects (Methods and Specialist) demand a higher ability and dedication in Mathematics. The topics covered in this course will be a mixture from both Methods and Specialist Mathematics.

As the content in this course is challenging and has a significant workload, it is highly recommended students considering this course meet the minimum achievement standards listed below:

·                     Average greater than 80% across Year 9 Advanced

·                     Year 9 Teacher recommendation

·                     Displaying positive study habits

Topics

·         Indices and Surds

·         Scientific Notation & Significant Figures

·         Quadratic Expressions and Equations

·         Linear Equations & Simultaneous Equations

·         Probability and Counting Methods

·         Non-linear relationships

·         Trigonometry and Measurement

·         Sequences and Series

·         Matrices

Key Contact Learning Area Leader - Mathematics

Stephanie Thomson

sbt@stbedes.catholic.edu.au