Mathematics

All Year 7 students are taught Mathematics in mixed ability groups for Term 1 and cover a wide range of foundational concepts from Maths Mate. Topics include: number, measurement, fractions, patterns, algebra and geometry, chance and data. Problem Solving features authentic problems which require creatively designed solutions, using a balance of written work and technology. 

In Term 2 students are grouped according to previous performance.

YEARS 7-9 SUBJECT HANDBOOK

Year 8 students are grouped according to their Year 7 performance. Topics covered include decimals, percentages, fractions, probability and statistics, algebra and geometry.

More detailed information is available in the Years 7-9 Subject Handbook.

YEARS 7-9 SUBJECT HANDBOOK

Year 9 students are grouped according to their Year 8 performance. Areas studied include volumes and surface areas, algebra, trigonometry and percentages and applications. Some students will study Core Mathematics. 

More detailed information is available in the Years 7-9 Subject Handbook.

YEARS 7-9 SUBJECT HANDBOOK

Three courses are offered to Year 10 students, which closely follow the Senior Mathematics curriculum.

General Mathematics will be offered to students who have completed Core Mathematics and also students who have struggled with the Mathematics course in Year 9. The General Mathematics course covers arithmetic, trigonometry, statistics, co-ordinate geometry and some basic algebra; it concentrates on mathematics in real life situations, practical problem solving and communicating mathematically. Students studying General Mathematics must have a scientific calculator. Students completing this course at a VHA or HA level will go on to study QCAA General Mathematics course, whereas those achieving SA or below should study the QCAA Essential Mathematics Applied course. General Mathematics does not lead into courses in the IB Diploma.

Mathematical Methods will be offered to the Year 9 Mathematics students who have reached at least a mid SA level in Year 9. 

The course covers advanced algebra, trigonometry, co-ordinate geometry and the study of functions as well as extension topics such as surds and inequalities. The emphasis will also be on mathematical applications. Students studying Mathematical Methods are required to have their own Casio fxCG50AU graphing calculator. Students completing this course at VHA or HA level will go on to study QCAA Mathematical Methods course in senior years or Mathematics – Analysis and Approaches (SL or HL) in IB Diploma courses. Those students who achieve VHA in this course could also choose to study the QCAA Specialist Mathematics course in senior years.

YEAR 10  SUBJECT HANDBOOK

Students in Years 11 & 12 can choose from the following Mathematics subjects:

General Mathematics is a general senior subject designed for students who want to extend their mathematical skills beyond Year 10 but whose future studies or employment pathways do not require calculus. General Mathematics’ major domains are Number and algebra, Measurement and geometry, Statistics, and Networks and matrices, building on the content of the P–10 Australian Curriculum.

A course of study in General Mathematics can establish a basis for further education and employment in the fields of business, commerce, education, finance, IT, social science and the arts.

Mathematical Methods is a general senior subject designed for students who are interested in pathways beyond school that lead to tertiary studies. Mathematical Methods’ major domains are algebra, functions, relations and their graphs, calculus and statistics.

A course of study in Mathematical Methods can establish a basis for further education and employment in the fields of natural and physical sciences (especially physics and chemistry), mathematics and science education, medical and health sciences (including human biology, biomedical science, nanoscience and forensics), engineering (including chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, avionics, communications and mining), computer science (including electronics and software design), psychology and business.

Specialist Mathematics is a general senior subject designed for students who develop confidence in their mathematical knowledge and ability, and gain a positive view of themselves as mathematics learners. They will gain an appreciation of the true nature of mathematics, its beauty and its power.

Specialist Mathematics can only be taken in conjunction with Mathematical Methods.

Specialist Mathematics’ major domains are Vectors and matrices, Real and complex numbers, Trigonometry, Statistics and Calculus.

A course of study in Specialist Mathematics can establish a basis for further education and employment in the fields of science, all branches of mathematics and statistics, computer science, medicine, engineering, finance and economics

Essential Mathematics is an applied senior subject designed for students who want to extend their mathematical skills beyond Year 10 but whose future studies or employment pathways do not require substantial mathematical knowledge. Essential Mathematics’ major domains are Number, Data, Location and time, Measurement and Finance. Essential Mathematics benefits students because they develop skills that go beyond the traditional ideas of numeracy.

Students will learn within a practical context related to general employment and successful participation in society, drawing on the mathematics used by various professional and industry groups.

A course of study in Essential Mathematics can establish a basis for further education and employment in the fields of trade, industry, business and community services.

More detailed information is available in the Years 11-12 Subject Handbook.

YEARS 11-12 SUBJECT HANDBOOK

For students studying the International Baccalaureate in Years 11 and 12

MATHEMATICS : ANALYSIS AND APPROACHES (SL OR HL)

Students who choose Mathematics: analysis and approaches at SL or HL should be comfortable in the manipulation of algebraic expressions, enjoy the recognition of patterns, and understand the mathematical generalisation of these patterns.

Students who wish to take Mathematics: analysis and approaches at higher level will have strong algebraic skills and the ability to understand simple proof. They will be students who enjoy spending time with problems and get pleasure and satisfaction from solving challenging problems.

 More information is available in the IB Handbook.

IB HANDBOOK