Scotch College

VCE: Mathematics

Rationale

Mathematics is the study of structure and pattern in number, logic and space It provides both a framework for thinking and a means of symbolic communication that is powerful, logical, concise and unambiguous and a means by which people can understand and manage their environment Essential mathematical activities include abstracting, investigating, modeling and problem solving

Each Mathematics study is designed to provide access to worthwhile and challenging mathematical learning in a way which takes into account the needs and aspirations of a wide range of students It is also designed to promote students’ awareness of the importance of Mathematics in everyday life in an increasingly technological society and their confidence in making effective use of mathematical ideas, techniques and processes All students in all the mathematical units offered will apply knowledge and skills, model, investigate and solve problems They will use technology to support learning Mathematics and its application in different contexts

Note that all VCE Mathematics students are expected to be familiar with the TI-89 Titanium (CAS) or the TI-nspire (CAS) calculator

Structure

Units 1 and 2: General Mathematics (SM)

General Mathematics (SM) is an advanced mathematics course designed both to supplement students’ mathematical learning in Mathematical Methods (CAS) and to provide an appropriate foundation for students who wish to undertake Specialist Mathematics in Year 12

Topics to be covered may vary from year to year, and will include Algebra, Functions and Graphs, Trigonometry, Vectors, Analytical Geometry and Calculus Any student undertaking this course must also be taking Mathematical Methods (CAS) and should have achieved high grades in Mathematics in Year 10

Assessment

• Examination
• Common Tests
• Application Task

Units 1 and 2: General Mathematics (FM)

General Mathematics (FM) is a course designed both to extend students’ mathematical knowledge and skills beyond Year 10 level and to provide an appropriate foundation for students who wish to undertake Further Mathematics in Year 12

Topics covered are almost entirely areas of Mathematics with significant applications in a wide range of careers, and will include Algebra, Functions, Graphs, Financial Arithmetic, Trigonometry, Geometry and Statistics

Assessment

• Examination
• Common Tests
• Application Task

Units 1 and 2: Mathematical Methods (CAS)

Mathematical Mathematics (CAS) is a demanding mathematics course which significantly extends students’ knowledge in key areas of Algebra, Functions, Graphs and also introduces them to the fundamental ideas of Transformational Geometry (including Matrix Methods) and Calculus Extensive use will be made of the TI-89 Titanium or TI-nspire CAS calculator

Note that when taken alone, this course is allocated six periods per cycle, but when taken with General Mathematics (SM) it is allocated five periods per cycle

Any student undertaking Mathematical Methods (CAS) should have a strong background, particularly in Algebra, and should have achieved at least a grade of B for his Semester 2 Mathematics examinations in Year 10

Assessment

• Examination
• Common Tests
• Application Task

Units 3 and 4: Further Mathematics

Further Mathematics covers a range of mathematical topics and techniques which are used in many day-to-day applications in a wide variety of careers The course consists of a compulsory (core) area of study, (Data Analysis), and a selection of three from six

Modules:

1. Number Patterns and Applications
2. Geometry and Trigonometry
3. Graphs and Relations
4. Business-related Mathematics
5. Networks and Decision Mathematics
6. Matrices

Assessment

In each Unit 3 and 4 Mathematics study, the judgment of satisfactory completion will be based on a student’s performance in School-Assessed Coursework (SACs) In each subject, SACs contribute 34% towards the student’s final study score The remaining 66% of the study score is obtained as follows:

Further Mathematics: Examination 1 33% Examination 2 33%

Units 3 and 4: Mathematical Methods (CAS)

This course both consolidates and extends the material covered in Mathematics Methods (CAS) Units 1 and 2 The main areas of study are Algebra, Functions and Graphs, Calculus and Probability Any student attempting this course must be familiar with the content of Mathematical Methods (CAS) Units 1 and 2 Extensive use will be made of the TI89 Titanium or TI-nspire (CAS) calculator

Assessment

In each Unit 3 and 4 Mathematics study, the judgment of satisfactory completion will be based on a student’s performance in School-Assessed Coursework (SACs) In each subject, SACs contribute 34% towards the student’s final study score The remaining 66% of the study score is obtained as follows:

Mathematical Methods (CAS): Examination 1 (calculator free) 22% Examination 2 44%

Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics

Specialist Mathematics is an advanced and demanding course Concurrent enrolment in, or previous completion of, Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 is essential The main areas of study are Algebra (including complex numbers), Functions, Vectors (including geometrical proofs), Analytical Geometry, Calculus and Mechanics

Assessment

In each Unit 3 and 4 Mathematics study, the judgment of satisfactory completion will be based on a student’s performance in School-Assessed Coursework (SACs) In each subject, SACs contribute 34% towards the student’s final study score The remaining 66% of the study score is obtained as follows:

Specialist Mathematics: Examination 1 (calculator free) 22% Examination 2 44%