Mathematics

Numeracy

The Numeracy course supports students to develop the functional numeracy skills required to become active and successful participants in society. Students have the opportunity to develop these skills and apply them to situations in personal and community, workplace and employment, and education and training contexts. This course offers students the opportunity to prepare for post-school options of employment or further training. The Numeracy course may be studied as a standalone course or in conjunction with the Mathematics Standard course, where the student would benefit from additional learning opportunities to strengthen their numeracy development.

Standard

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in working mathematically, improve their skills to solve problems relating to their present and future needs, and improve their understanding of how to communicate in a concise and systematic manner. The Mathematics Standard Year 11 course is a common course for all students studying the Mathematics Standard Syllabus. In Year 12, students can elect to study either the Standard 1 course (Category B) or the Standard 2 course (Category A).

The Mathematics Standard courses are focused on enabling students to use mathematics effectively, efficiently and critically to make informed decisions in their daily lives. They provide students with the opportunities to develop an understanding of, and competence in, further aspects of mathematics through a large variety of real-world applications for a range of concurrent HSC subjects.

​Mathematics Standard 1 is designed to help students improve their numeracy by building their confidence and success in making mathematics meaningful. Numeracy is more than being able to operate with numbers. It requires mathematical knowledge and understanding, mathematical problem-solving skills and literacy skills, as well as positive attitudes. When students become numerate they are able to manage a situation or solve a problem in real contexts, such as everyday life, work or further learning. This course offers students the opportunity to prepare for post-school options of employment or further training.

​Mathematics Standard 2 is designed for those students who want to extend their mathematical skills beyond Stage 5 but are not seeking the in-depth knowledge of higher mathematics that the study of calculus would provide. This course offers students the opportunity to prepare for a wide range of educational and employment aspirations, including continuing their studies at a tertiary level.

Advanced

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in mathematics and working mathematically. Students have the opportunity to develop ways of thinking and use mathematics as a powerful way of viewing and modelling the world to investigate patterns, order, generality and uncertainty.

The Mathematics Advanced course is focused on enabling students to appreciate that mathematics is a unique and powerful way of viewing the world to investigate order, relation, pattern, uncertainty and generality. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop ways of thinking in which problems are explored through observation, reflection and reasoning.

The Mathematics Advanced course provides a basis for further studies in disciplines in which mathematics and the skills that constitute thinking mathematically have an important role. It is designed for those students whose future pathways may involve mathematics and its applications in a range of disciplines at the tertiary level.

Mathematics Extension 1

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop thorough knowledge, understanding and skills in working mathematically and in communicating concisely and precisely. Students have the opportunity to develop rigorous mathematical arguments and proofs and use mathematical models extensively. Students develop their awareness of the interconnected nature of mathematics, its beauty and its functionality.

Mathematics Extension 1 is focused on enabling students to develop a thorough understanding of and competence in further aspects of mathematics. The course provides opportunities to develop rigorous mathematical arguments and proofs, and to use mathematical models more extensively. Students of Mathematics Extension 1 will be able to develop an appreciation of the interconnected nature of mathematics, its beauty and its functionality.

Mathematics Extension 1 provides a basis for progression to further study in mathematics or related disciplines in which mathematics has a vital role at a tertiary level. An understanding and exploration of Mathematics Extension 1 is also advantageous for further studies in such areas as science, engineering, finance and economics.

Mathematics Extension 2

This course provides opportunities at progressively higher levels for students to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to concepts within areas of mathematics that have applications in an increasing number of contexts. Students have the opportunity to develop strong mathematical manipulation skills and a deep understanding of the fundamental ideas of algebra and calculus, as well as an appreciation of mathematics as an activity with its own intrinsic value involving invention, intuition and exploration.

Mathematics Extension 2 provides students with the opportunity to develop strong mathematical manipulative skills and a deep understanding of the fundamental ideas of algebra and calculus, as well as an appreciation of mathematics as an activity with its own intrinsic value, involving invention, intuition and exploration. Mathematics Extension 2 extends students’ conceptual knowledge and understanding through exploration of new areas of mathematics not previously seen.

Mathematics Extension 2 provides a basis for a wide range of useful applications of mathematics as well as a strong foundation for further study of the subject.