VCE Mathematics

VCE Mathematics consists of six blocks. Three blocks at Unit 1 and 2 level (being Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods and General Mathematics) and three blocks at Unit 3 and 4 level (being Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods and General Mathematics). Each unit takes one semester to complete and these blocks would normally be taken as a two-unit sequence.

Each student's mathematics teacher will make a recommendation of suggested VCE Mathematics pathways, based on the student's displayed aptitude and capacity, along with their Year 10 Mathematics results. Students must select their maths subject(s) as a year-long subject, as it is often not possible to change maths subjects during semester 1 or prior to semester 2. For example, students who enroll in Mathematical Methods Unit 1 will often not be able to change to General Mathematics Unit 1 or 2 during semester 1 or prior to semester 2.

Year 11

GENERAL MATHEMATICS UNITS 1 & 2

This course prepares students for General Mathematics in Year 12. Students selecting this subject may also be doing Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2 concurrently at Year 11.

MATHEMATICAL METHODS UNITS 1 & 2

This course prepares students for Mathematical Methods Units 3 & 4. Students selecting this subject may be doing either General Mathematics Units 1 & 2 or Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 concurrently.

SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS UNITS 1 & 2

This course prepares students for Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics in Year 12. It must be taken in combination with Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2.

Computer Algebra System (CAS) Calculators

Students undertaking any VCE mathematics unit must be able to use the CAS calculator to support wider enquiry into the concepts, skills and tasks covered within that unit.

OPTIONS IN YEAR 11 AND COMPLETING GENERAL MATHEMATICS ON AN ACCELERATED PROGRAM BASIS

Students will need to determine the amount of Mathematics they require to keep their options open for tertiary courses. They must also realistically consider their ability to successfully manage the courses they select and should seek their Mathematics teacher’s advice regarding these options.

Students who achieve consistently excellent results in Year 10 Advanced Mathematics and Year 10 Mainstream Mathematics may be allowed to undertake General Mathematics 3 & 4 in Year 11 on an accelerated program basis without previously having studied General Mathematics Units 1 & 2. They must seek permission to do this from their Mathematics teacher and the Mathematics Domain Leader.

Year 12

GENERAL MATHEMATICS UNITS 3 & 4

This course is intended for students who would like to continue a study of Mathematics but do not require a specific Mathematics prerequisite for further studies. Students selecting this subject may be doing either Mathematical Methods Units 3 & 4 or Specialist Mathematics Units 3 & 4 concurrently.

MATHEMATICAL METHODS UNITS 3 & 4

This course is intended for students who would like to continue a study of Mathematics that is algebraic and/or who require this subject for further tertiary study. This subject is a prerequisite for a number of courses. Students selecting this subject may be doing either General Mathematics Units 3 & 4 or Specialist Mathematics Units 3 & 4 concurrently.

SPECIALISTS MATHEMATICS UNITS 3 & 4

This course is intended for students who will be studying Mathematics at University, or who will be applying for a course where this subject is a prerequisite. It must be taken in combination with Mathematical Methods Units 3 & 4.

Computer Algebra System (CAS) CALCULATORS

Students undertaking any VCE mathematics unit must be able to use the CAS calculator to support wider enquiry into the concepts, skills and tasks covered within that unit.

Options for Year 12

Students will need to determine the amount of mathematics they require to keep their options open for tertiary courses. They must also realistically consider their ability to successfully manage the courses they select. For those students considering completing three VCE mathematics subjects, please note that only two VCE mathematics subjects can count towards the top four subjects of a student’s ATAR score. The third mathematics subject will only count as a student’s fifth or sixth subject (where only 10% of that subject’s score contributes to a student’s final ATAR score).

Some Possible Courses

Students are advised to choose their courses carefully as some tertiary courses have certain mathematics subjects as prerequisites that must be studied at VCE. For example, Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics are prerequisites for courses such as Commerce, Medicine, Engineering and sometimes Science or Business courses. General Mathematics is a prerequisite for Education and Business courses and for some Nursing courses.

Course 1: Mathematical Method 1-4 and Specialist Mathematics 1-4

This course is appropriate for students who intend to undertake Science or Mathematics based tertiary courses. This course is suitable for those students who like Mathematics and have achieved excellent results in Year 10 Advanced Mathematics or Year 10 Mainstream Mathematics.

Course 2: Mathematical Methods 1-4 and Specialist Mathematics 1 & 2

This course is appropriate for students who want to keep their options open for most University courses. This course is suitable for those students who like Mathematics and have achieved reasonably high results in Year 10 Advanced Mathematics or Year 10 Mainstream Mathematics.

Course 3: General Mathematics 1 & 2 and General Mathematics 3 & 4

This course is appropriate for students who do not want to do a tertiary course that is Mathematics based but want to continue some mathematical studies. This is suitable for students who have achieved reasonably high marks in Year 10 Practical Mathematics or Year 10 Mainstream Mathematics.

Course 4: Mathematical Methods 1 & 2 and General Mathematics 3 & 4

This course is appropriate for students who do not want to do a tertiary course that is Mathematics based but want to keep their options open for Year 11. This is suitable for students who have achieved reasonably high marks in Year 10 Mainstream Mathematics or Year 10 Advanced Mathematics.

General Mathematics

GM1: GENERAL MATHEMATICS 1

In Unit 1, topics studied will include Applications of Arithmetic, Financial Arithmetic, Linear Graphs, Data Distributions, Matrices and Algebra. The appropriate use of technology to support the learning of Mathematics is incorporated throughout the course. This includes the use of CAS calculators, spreadsheets, and appropriate computer packages. The focus of the course is on the practical applications of Mathematics.

GM2: GENERAL MATHEMATICS 2

In Unit 2, topics studied will include Bivariate Statistics, Number Patterns and Recursions, Networks, Shape, Measurement and Trigonometry. The appropriate use of technology to support the learning of Mathematics is incorporated throughout the course. This includes the use of CAS calculators, spreadsheets, and appropriate computer packages. The focus of the course is on the practical applications of Mathematics.

General Mathematics

GM3: GENERAL MATHEMATICS 3

General Mathematics Unit 3 consists of two topics, Data Analysis, and Recursion and Financial. In Data Analysis, students review their skills from previous studies in data gathering, describe and analyse data with one variable, examine bivariate data to show the relationship between two variables, and study time series, where we investigate one measurement over a length of time. In Recursion and Financial Modelling, students develop their skills in dealing the use of first-order linear recurrence relations and technology to model and analyse a range of financial situations, and solve related problems involving interest, appreciation and depreciation, loans, annuities and perpetuities. They solve related equations numerically, graphically and use their CAS calculator and/or algebraic skills.

GM4: GENERAL MATHEMATICS 4

In Unit 4, students complete two application topics. In Network and Decision Mathematics, students cover the definition and representation of different kinds of undirected and directed graphs, Eulerian trails, Eulerian circuits, bridges, Hamiltonian paths and cycles, and the use of networks to model and solve problems involving travel, connection, flow, matching, allocation and scheduling. In the second Area of Study, Matrices, students expand on their knowledge of operations involving matrices, and discover applications of matrices to different situations, including communication and dominance matrices and transition problems. In this module and throughout the course students apply technology (CAS calculator) to carry out calculations where applicable. Students will then revise the year in preparation for their two end-of-year examinations.

Note: There is a fee associated with this course of $30.00. per year**

Mathematical Methods

MM1: MATHEMATICAL METHODS 1

The areas of study in Unit 1 are Functions and Graphs, Algebra, Calculus and Probability. The appropriate use of a computer algebra system and other technology to support the learning of Mathematics is incorporated throughout the course. This includes the use of CAS calculators, spreadsheets, and appropriate computer packages.

MM2: MATHEMATICAL METHODS 2

The areas of study in Unit 2 are Functions and Graphs, Circular Functions, Exponential Functions, Algebra, Calculus and Probability. The appropriate use of a computer algebra system and other technology to support the learning of Mathematics is incorporated throughout the course. This includes the use of CAS calculators, spreadsheets, and appropriate computer packages.

Note: To undertake Methods Unit 1 and 2 students must have satisfactorily completed Mainstream Maths or Advanced Maths in Year 10 with at least a B average.

MM3: MATHEMATICAL METHODS 3

Mathematical Methods Unit 3 involves the study of material from the following areas of study: Polynomial Functions; Exponential and Logarithmic Functions; Circular (Trigonometric) Functions and Calculus. Students practise mathematical algorithms, routines and techniques and use them to solve standard problems; apply mathematical knowledge and skills in unfamiliar situations that require investigative, modelling or problem-solving approaches, and use technology appropriately and effectively to learn mathematics and apply it in different contexts.

Note: To undertake Methods Unit 3 and 4 students must have satisfactorily completed Unit 1 and 2 Maths Methods with at least a C+ average.

MM4: MATHEMATICAL METHODS 4

Mathematical Methods Unit 4 involves the study of material from the following areas of study: Calculus, Statistics and Probability. Students practise mathematical algorithms, routines and techniques and use them to solve standard problems; apply mathematical knowledge and skills in unfamiliar situations that require investigative, modelling or problem-solving approaches, and use technology appropriately and effectively to learn mathematics and apply it in different contexts.

Note: There is a fee associated with this Mathematical Methods 3 & 4 of $40.00 per year.**

Specialist Mathematics

SM1: SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS 1  

This course is designed to complement studies in Mathematical Methods, which would normally be taken concurrently, and prepare students for Specialist Mathematics (3 & 4). The topics covered are: Number, Structure and Algebra, Discrete Mathematics.

The appropriate use of technology to support the learning of Mathematics is incorporated throughout the course. This includes the use of the TiNspire CAS calculator. 

SM2: SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS 2  

This course is designed to complement studies in Mathematical Methods, which would normally be taken concurrently, and prepare students for Specialist Mathematics (3 & 4). The topics covered are: Data analysis, Probability and Statistics, Space and Measurement, Functions, Relations and Graphs.  

The appropriate use of technology to support the learning of Mathematics is incorporated throughout the course. This includes the use of the TiNspire CAS calculator. 

SM3: SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS 3

Unit 3 includes content from functions and relations, algebra number and structure, calculus, space and measurement, data analysis, probability and statistics. The course highlights mathematical structure and proof. The appropriate use of technology to support the learning of Mathematics is incorporated throughout the course. Specialist Mathematics would normally be taken concurrently with Mathematical Methods 3 and 4, which contains assumed knowledge for Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4.

Note: Enrolment in Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 assumes satisfactory completion of BOTH Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 and Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2 with at least a C+ average.

SM4: SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS 4

In Unit 4 students study content from functions and relations, algebra number and structure, calculus, space and measurement, data analysis, probability and statistics. The course highlights mathematical structure and proof.

Note: There is a fee associated with this Specialist Mathematics 3 & 4 of $45.00 per year.**

Seventh Period Mathematics at VCE

Please note that Units 1 & 2 Mathematical Methods, Units 3 & 4 General Maths and Units 3 & 4 Mathematical Methods all have seven timetabled periods per cycle.

If a student chooses to study both Units 3 & 4 Mathematical Methods and Units 3 & 4 General Mathematics, they must be aware that the seventh period for these two subjects is scheduled at the same time. These students will attend the period 7 class for Mathematical Methods unless there is an assessment planned for General Mathematics.

Students are expected to ensure that they regularly communicate and liaise with their teachers to ensure that they are up to date with the learning program and learning outcomes within each subject.

VCE Vocational Major Mathematics

Unit 1

In Unit 1 students will develop their numeracy practices to make sense of their personal, public and vocational lives. They will develop mathematical skills with consideration of their local, community, national and global environments and contexts, and an awareness and use of appropriate technologies.

These units provide students with the fundamental mathematical knowledge, skills, understandings and dispositions to solve problems in real contexts for a range of workplace, personal, further learning and community settings relevant to contemporary society.

Areas of study

There are four areas of study for Unit 1:

Area of Study 1: Number
Area of Study 2: Shape
Area of Study 3: Quantity and measures
Area of Study 4: Relationships.

The areas of study cover a range of different mathematical knowledge and skills that are expected to be used and applied across the three outcomes.

Unit 2

In Unit 2 students will develop and extend their numeracy practices to make sense of their personal, public and vocational lives. They will develop mathematical skills with consideration of their local, community, national and global environments and contexts, and identification and appropriate selection and use of relevant technologies.

Areas of study

There are four areas of study for Unit 2:

Area of Study 5: Dimension and direction
Area of Study 6: Data
Area of Study 7: Uncertainty
Area of Study 8: Systematics

The areas of study cover a range of different mathematical knowledge and skills that are expected to be used and applied across the three outcomes.