Mathematics is studied by all students from Year 7 to Year 10, building strong foundations in numeracy, problem-solving and mathematical reasoning. In the senior years, students specialise according to their interests and future pathways, choosing from Essential Mathematics, General Mathematics or Mathematical Methods.
Essential Mathematics
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.
Future Pathways
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 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
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.
Future Pathways
Business Manager, Tradesperson, Retail Analyst, Logistics Coordinator, Real Estate Agent, Administrative Officer.
Mathematical Methods
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.
Future Pathways
Engineer, Economist, Data Analyst, Statistician, Software Developer, Financial Analyst.