Mathematics

At Year 10, there are three streams of mathematics that will allow students with a different range of abilities to engage in different modes of learning to further develop their mathematical knowledge and skills. These three streams are: Essential Mathematics, Core Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics. 

Each student will be placed into a specific stream which will be informed by a range of data including teacher recommendations, Year 9 assessment grades, study habits, organisational skills, NAPLAN and PAT data. The majority of students in Year 10 will study Core Mathematics. 

Pathways for studies in Mathematics 

Essential/Core/Advanced Mathematics

While the curriculum content for both Core Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics cover similar topics and the same dimensions, the Advanced Mathematics class will work more quickly through the core coursework, complete topics in more depth and explore introductory topics from VCE Maths Methods and Specialist Maths. Core Mathematics will cater for students who are working more towards further mathematical studies in VCE General Maths. 

The Essential Maths course provides for the continuing development mathematical skills to support students with the mathematical content of their other subjects and build confidence in numeracy skills for life. Students focus on the mathematical knowledge, skills, understanding and dispositions to solve problems in real contexts for a range of workplace, personal, further learning, and community settings relevant to contemporary society. Essential maths progresses to VCE Foundation Maths Unit 1&2 or to General Mathematics (based on student achievement levels and by the recommendation of the teacher). 

Aim

• Demonstrate useful mathematical and numeracy skills for successful general employment and functioning in society. 
• Solve practical problems with mathematics, especially industry and work-based problems.
• Develop specialist knowledge in mathematics that provides for further study in the discipline if required.
• Develop skills in the use technology, including computer algebra system (CAS) calculators, to support the learning of mathematics and enhance the communication of their ideas.

Content

• Number – indices and financial mathematics. 
• Algebra – linear equations and inequalities including simultaneous equations, parallel and perpendicular lines, quadratic expressions and equations, sketching linear and quadratic graphs with and without digital technologies.
• Measurement – surface area and volume problems of composite solids, Pythagoras’ Theorem in 3-dimensions, trigonometry and bearings. 
• Space – networks, length, angles and areas of congruent and similar shapes.
• Statistics – comparing univariate data sets using summary statistics and shapes of displays including box-plots, describing and analysing bivariate data using scatterplots both by hand and using digital technologies.   
• Probability – Calculating theoretical probabilities of multiple-stage events using tables, Venn diagrams and probability tables, particularly without replacement, independent events and ‘or’ and ‘if’ statements using the correct notation. 

Additional topics for Advanced Maths

• Introduction to complex numbers and vectors.
• Simplifying, evaluating and manipulating surds and logarithms. 
• Graphing non-linear relationships including polynomials, circles, hyperbolae, truncus, exponential and logarithmic functions. 
• Advanced trigonometry including sine and cosine rules, radians, the unit circle, exact values and graphing trigonometric functions.
• Geometric proofs and formal proof notation.

Special conditions 

Students should retain their CAS (Computer Algebra System) calculator from Year 9 as it will be a key resource for their Year 10 and subsequent VCE maths studies. 

Assessment

Students will complete three CAT tasks per semester covering the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 strands of Number, Algebra, Measurement, Space, Statistics and Probability. CAT structures will vary between topic tests, problem solving/modelling tasks, collaborative investigation tasks that all require the application of the mathematical content studied. Students will also sit two end-of semester exams.

Note: 

• To change a student out of the original Year 10 stream placement, parents will have to email the Mathematics Domain Leader/Director of Middle School and apply for special consideration. 
• Select students will be permitted to complete a VCE Mathematics Subject in Year 10 but this will be subject to application and special circumstances. This is not a typical pathway and will only be considered when certain conditions are met including Year 9 achievement levels, teacher recommendation, entrance exam and meeting with the Mathematics Domain Leader.