Senior secondary

Essential Mathematics

Rationale

The major domains of mathematics in Essential Mathematics are Number, Data, Location and time, Measurement and Finance. Teaching and learning builds on the proficiency strands of the P–10 Australian Curriculum. Students develop their conceptual understanding when they undertake tasks that require them to connect mathematical concepts, operations and relations. They will learn to recognise definitions, rules and facts from everyday mathematics and data, and to calculate using appropriate mathematical processes.

Students will benefit from studies in Essential Mathematics because they will develop skills that go beyond the traditional ideas of numeracy. This is achieved through a greater emphasis on estimation, problem-solving and reasoning, which develops students into thinking citizens who interpret and use mathematics to make informed predictions and decisions about personal and financial priorities. Students will see mathematics as applicable to their employability and lifestyles, and develop leadership skills through self-direction and productive engagement in their learning. They will show curiosity and imagination, and appreciate the benefits of technology. Students will gain an appreciation that there is rarely one way of doing things and that real-world mathematics requires adaptability and flexibility.

Pathways

Essential Mathematics is an Applied subject suited to students who are interested in pathways beyond Year 12 that lead to tertiary studies, vocational education or work. 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. 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.

General Mathematics

Rationale

The major domains of mathematics in General Mathematics are Number and algebra, Measurement and geometry, Statistics and Networks and matrices, building on the content of the P–10 Australian Curriculum. Learning reinforces prior knowledge and further develops key mathematical ideas, including rates and percentages, concepts from financial mathematics, linear and non-linear expressions, sequences, the use of matrices and networks to model and solve authentic problems, the use of trigonometry to find solutions to practical problems, and the exploration of real-world phenomena in statistics.

General Mathematics is designed for students who want to extend their mathematical skills beyond Year 10 but whose future studies or employment pathways do not require calculus. It incorporates a practical approach that equips learners for their needs as future citizens. Students will learn to ask appropriate questions, map out pathways, reason about complex solutions, set up models and communicate in different forms. They will experience the relevance of mathematics to their daily lives, communities and cultural backgrounds. They will develop the ability to understand, analyse and take action regarding social issues in their world. When students gain skill and self-assurance, when they understand the content and when they evaluate their success by using and transferring their knowledge, they develop a mathematical mindset.

Pathways

General Mathematics is a General subject suited to students who are interested in pathways beyond school that lead to tertiary studies, vocational education or work. 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

Rationale

The major domains of mathematics in Mathematical Methods are Algebra, Functions, relations and their graphs, Calculus and Statistics. Topics are developed systematically, with increasing levels of sophistication, complexity and connection, and build on algebra, functions and their graphs, and probability from the P–10 Australian Curriculum. Calculus is essential for developing an understanding of the physical world. The domain Statistics is used to describe and analyse phenomena involving uncertainty and variation. Both are the basis for developing effective models of the world and solving complex and abstract mathematical problems. The ability to translate written, numerical, algebraic, symbolic and graphical information from one representation to another is a vital part of learning in Mathematical Methods.

Students who undertake Mathematical Methods will see the connections between mathematics and other areas of the curriculum and apply their mathematical skills to real-world problems, becoming critical thinkers, innovators and problem-solvers. Through solving problems and developing models, they will appreciate that mathematics and statistics are dynamic tools that are critically important in the 21st century.

Pathways

Mathematical Methods is a General subject suited to students who are interested in pathways beyond school that lead to tertiary studies, vocational education or work. 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

Rationale

The major domains of mathematical knowledge in Specialist Mathematics are Vectors and matrices, Real and complex numbers, Trigonometry, Statistics and Calculus. Topics are developed systematically, with increasing levels of sophistication, complexity and connection, building on functions, calculus, statistics from Mathematical Methods, while vectors, complex numbers and matrices are introduced. Functions and calculus are essential for creating models of the physical world. Statistics are used to describe and analyse phenomena involving probability, uncertainty and variation. Matrices, complex numbers and vectors are essential tools for explaining abstract or complex relationships that occur in scientific and technological endeavours.

Students who undertake Specialist Mathematics will 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.

Pathways

Specialist Mathematics is a General subject suited to students who are interested in pathways beyond school that lead to tertiary studies, vocational education or work. 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.

Junior secondary

Mathematics (Year 7, 8, 9 and including year 10)

Course overview

Learning mathematics creates opportunities for and enriches the lives of all Australians. The Australian Curriculum: Mathematics provides students with essential mathematical skills and knowledge in Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. It develops the numeracy capabilities that all students need in their personal, work and civic life, and provides the fundamentals on which mathematical specialties and professional applications of mathematics are built.

Mathematics has its own value and beauty and the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics aims to instil in students an appreciation of the elegance and power of mathematical reasoning. Mathematical ideas have evolved across all cultures over thousands of years, and are constantly developing. Digital technologies are facilitating this expansion of ideas and providing access to new tools for continuing mathematical exploration and invention. The curriculum focuses on developing increasingly sophisticated and refined mathematical understanding, fluency, logical reasoning, analytical thought and problem-solving skills. These capabilities enable students to respond to familiar and unfamiliar situations by employing mathematical strategies to make informed decisions and solve problems efficiently

Course outline

The proficiency strands Understanding, Fluency, Problem Solving and Reasoning are an integral part of mathematics content across the three content strands:

• Number and Algebra,
• Measurement and Geometry
• Statistics and Probability.

The proficiencies reinforce the significance of working mathematically within the content and describe how the content is explored or developed. They provide the language to build in the developmental aspects of the learning of mathematics.