VCE Foundation Mathematics:

Foundation Mathematics Units 1–4 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.

Who should select Foundation Mathematics

Foundation Maths is aimed at students who wish to continue developing their mathematical knowledge, skills, understanding and dispositions to solve problems in real contexts. Students who have an interest in measurement, financial and consumer arithmetic and collecting and presenting data should consider this subject. It is expected students have completed Year 10 Foundation Mathematics with an average assessment sore above 40,% or completed Year 10 Core Mathematics with an average assessment score below 40%.

This is the standard choice for students studying the VCE Vocational Major (VCE-VM).

Potential Future Careers:

• Retail

• Tradesperson

• Arts

• Music

• Global Studies

• Occupational Therapy

• Exercise and Sport Science

Unit 1 and 2 cater for a range of student interests, provide preparation for the study of VCE General Mathematics at the Units 3 and 4 level and contain assumed knowledge and skills for these units. Areas of study are: 

1. Algebra, number and structure 

   • Estimation, ratios and percentages

2. Data analysis, probability and statistics 

   • Data analysis

3. Discrete mathematics 

   • Financial and consumer mathematics

4. Space and Measurement

   • Metric system

   • Shape and location

Unit 3 and 4 focus on real-life application of mathematics and consist of the following areas of study:

1. Algebra, number and structure 

   • Algorithmic and computational thinking

   • Representation of formal mathematical expressions

2. Data analysis, probability and statistics 

   • Collection, presentation and analysis of data

3. Discrete mathematics 

   • Financial and consumer arithmetic

4. Space and Measurement

   • • Applications of the Metric system

     • Precision and error

Duration: 5 lessons per week - Year long subject

Maths and Numeracy Learning Area Leader - Lizzy Barker