In the Mathematics Faculty, a shared language of learning is used to discuss the students’ learning and higher order thinking skills are promoted through teaching practices which develop deeper student understanding of mathematical concepts. The teaching of mathematics is enhanced through problem-solving contexts and enquiry-oriented environments. The Australian Mathematics Competition is available for all Year 7 – 12 students to extend themselves.
Year 9
The Year 9 Mathematics course includes a variety of learning experiences to support students to make connections between mathematics and its applications in a real-world context. Students will consolidate and expand their mathematical skills, extend reasoning and problem-solving skills, as well as be introduced to a variety of techniques to prepare themselves for assessment.
The course follows the Australian Curriculum and includes the following topics:
- Measurement
- Geometric Reasoning
- Pythagorean Theorem
- Real Numbers
- Trigonometry
- Patterns and Algebra
- Data Representation and Interpretation
- Probability
- Linear and Non-Linear Relations
Throughout the year, major assessment tasks are varied, so that students develop a range of skills in the application of Mathematics to real-life situations. Assessments include tests, assignments, and application tasks. Classroom learning is structured to cater for students of varying strengths in mathematics and has planned components to support or extend students, as necessary. Student laptops are utilised in Mathematics and students are also introduced to the use of the TI-Nspire CAS calculator. Students are expected to become proficient at using a variety of Mathematics programs and accessing resources.
Year 10
Year 10 Mathematics has the following aims:
- To consolidate and expand the skills which were introduced in Year 9.
- To consolidate techniques useful to students in solving problems in various mathematical contexts.
- To use appropriate technology, including the TI-Nspire CAS calculator.
- To prepare students for their chosen Mathematics pathway.
In Year 10 there are three options offered to students.
Year 10 Mathematics includes linear relations, geometry, indices, trigonometry, quadratic equations, measurement, parabolas and other graphs, probability, and statistics as per the Australian Curriculum.
Year 10 Advanced Mathematics is for students requiring extension in Mathematics. It includes all of the Year 10 Mathematics concepts plus Advanced content including geometry of circles, surds, trigonometry involving non- right-angled triangles and logarithms and polynomials as per the Australian Curriculum.
VCE
General Mathematics
General Mathematics is designed for students who do not require a high level of Mathematics for their future career paths. General Mathematics is an ideal preparation for General Mathematics, Units 3 and 4 in Year 12.
Units 1 & 2
Areas of Study
- Data analysis, probability and statistics
- Algebra, number and Structure
- Discrete mathematics
- Functions, relations and graphs
Units 3 & 4
Areas of Study
- Data analysis, probability and stats
- Discrete Mathematics
Mathematical Methods
Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 may be taken alone or in conjunction with General Mathematics or Specialist Mathematics. Mathematical Methods, Units 1 and 2 contains the assumed knowledge and skills for Mathematical Methods, Units 3 and 4 which is usually attempted in Year 12. In Mathematical Methods, students are introduced to simple elementary functions of a single real variable, algebra, calculus, probability and statistics and their application in a variety of practical and theoretical contexts.
Units 1 & 2
Areas of Study
- Algebra, number and structure
- Calculus
- Data analysis, probability and statistics
- Functions, relations and graphs
Units 3 & 4
Areas of Study
- Algebra, number and structure
- Functions, relations and graphs
Specialist Mathematics
Specialist Mathematics is designed for more able students who want to study Specialist Mathematics in Year 12 or who want to develop a broader mathematical band as a preparation for Mathematical Methods Units, 3 and 4 in Year 12. Students choosing Specialist Mathematics must also choose Mathematical Methods Units, 1 and 2 in Year 11. In Specialist Maths, students take a course of study that with a focus on the in-depth study of mathematics, with an emphasis on concepts, skills and processes related to mathematical structure, modelling, problem solving and reasoning.
Units 1 & 2
Areas of Study
- Proof and number
- Graph theory
- Logic and algorithms
- Sequences and series
- Combinations
- Matrices
Units 3 & 4
Areas of Study
- Discrete mathematics
- Functions. Relations & graphs
- Algebra. Number and structure
- Calculus
- Space and measurement
Foundation Mathematics
In Foundation Maths there is a strong emphasis on the use of practical contexts encountered in everyday life in the community.
Units 1 & 2
Areas of Study
- Algebra, number and structure
- Data Analysis, probability and statistics
- Financial and consumer mathematics
- Space and measurement
Units 3 & 4
Areas of Study
- Algebra, number and structure
- Data Analysis, probability and statistics
- Financial and consumer mathematics
- Space and measurement
Some possible combinations of Mathematics units
The following table gives some possible combinations of units for students who choose to continue with Mathematics at Units 3 and 4 level.
Year 10 |
Year 11 |
Year 12 |
Year 10 Standard |
Foundation 1 & 2 |
Foundation 3 & 4 |
General 1 & 2 |
General 3 & 4 |
|
Year 10 Advanced |
General 1 & 2 |
General 3 & 4 |
Maths Methods 1 & 2 |
Maths Methods 3 & 4 |
|
Maths Methods 1 & 2 |
General Maths 3 & 4 Maths Methods 3 & 4 |
|
Maths Methods 1 & 2 Specialist Maths 1 & 2 |
Maths Methods 3 & 4 Specialist Maths 3 & 4 |
