MATHS
WHAT MATHS SHOULD I CHOOSE?
It can often feel like studying maths is all about solving abstract equations and sitting tests but it is really about developing essential life skills and providing opportunities and choices for future academic and career pathways.
Although there are many careers that may be obvious in the need for mathematical knowledge, such as science, engineering and computing, there are as many that you may not have heard of. The logical thinking and problem solving skills involved in mathematical thinking can help you identify patterns, relationships and structures, analyse data and statistics, plan projects and make strategic decisions as well as understand and navigate the world around us.
It must be acknowledged that for some, Maths can be a source of frustration and anxiety. As we begin term 3 and students are asked to select subjects for 2025, it is especially important that students moving into senior school make informed and appropriate choices that suit their future plans as well as providing opportunities for success. For students moving from a core Year 9 Maths into Year 10 there are three different Maths subjects and one elective on offer:
10 Methods - covers the standard Victorian maths curriculum at a Year 10 level and allows students to access any Year 11 Mathematics subject, including Specialist Maths, and covers a broad range of topics, with a focus on developing strong algebraic and graphing skills and a capacity to use and communicate with formal mathematical language. Demonstrating mathematical skills with and without the support of calculators is required.
10 General - This subject is for students who plan to undertake VCE General Maths in Years 11 and 12 as it does not prepare students for the requirements of Methods and Specialist. It involves less complex algebraic processes but covers a wide variety of important concepts and skills. This subject relies significantly on the use of a CAS calculator to undertake mathematical processes and calculations.
10 Foundation - With a focus on foundational numeracy skills for life this subject has a greater use of simple technology to undertake mathematical processes and is focused on building confidence for students who may have had limited success in mathematics in the past.
This subject leads to the study of VCE Foundation Maths or prepares students for the VCE Vocational Major pathway at Year 11.
10 Advanced Maths (elective) - A one semester elective subject providing an opportunity for students to be introduced to new and challenging concepts, such as functions and calculus that are a part of the Units 1&2 Mathematical Methods course as many students have difficult bridging the jump from Year 10 into this subject. This elective runs alongside Year 10 Methods and is intended for students concurrently studying that subject only.
Choosing the most appropriate pathway that ensures both a wide variety of possible career choices and opportunity for academic success, engagement and enjoyment, helps transition students smoothly into the senior school. If you or your student have any questions please seek advice from their Maths teacher. If you are interested in further information on careers and the maths they employ then check out the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute - Careers in Maths page.
Emma Mullane
Key Learning Area Manager - Mathematics