General Mathematics

Purpose and Structure

The course is designed for those students who wish to study real-world Mathematics in Year 11 or 12. These units are intended to provide an appropriate background for further study in, for example, business, health and social sciences, or education.

Units 1 and 2: General Mathematics 

General Mathematics provides courses for diverse groups of students. The areas of study for Unit 1&2 include ‘Algebra and structure’, ‘Arithmetic and number’, ‘Discrete mathematics’, ‘Geometry, measurement, and trigonometry’, ‘Graphs of linear and non-linear relations’ and ‘Statistics’. 

The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on a decision that the student has demonstrated achievement of the following set of outcomes. 

On the completion of this unit the student should be able to: 

• Define and explain key concepts in relation to the topics from the selected areas of study, and apply a range of related mathematical routines and procedures 

• Apply mathematical processes in non-routine contexts and analyse and discuss these applications of mathematics 

• Use technology to produce results and carry out analysis in situations requiring problem solving, investigative techniques or approaches.

Units 3 and 4: General Mathematics 

General Mathematics consists of four areas of study: Unit 3 comprises ‘Data analysis’ and ‘Recursion and financial modelling’ and Unit 4 consists of two ‘Applications’ modules: 

• Matrices 

• Networks and decision mathematics

On the completion of these units the student should be able to:

• Explain key concepts in relation to the topics from the selected areas of study, and apply a range of related mathematical techniques and models to solve routine application problems

• Select and apply the mathematical concepts, models, and techniques from the selected areas of study in a range of contexts of increasing complexity

• Select and appropriately use technology to develop mathematical ideas, produce results and carry out analysis in situations requiring problem-solving, investigative techniques or approaches in the selected areas of study.