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Specialist Mathematics

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​​(NOTE: Only offered via HOD invitation and student numbers)

Does this subject contribute to an ATAR? Yes (General subject)
How many credits does this subject contribute towards QCE? 4

What is Specialist Mathematics?

Specialist Mathematics’ major domains are Vectors and matrices, Real and complex numbers, Trigonometry, Statistics and Calculus. 

Specialist Mathematics is designed for students who develop confidence in their mathematical knowledge and ability, and gain a positive view of themselves as mathematics learners. They will gain an appreciation of the true nature of mathematics, its beauty and its power.

Students learn topics that are developed systematically, with increasing levels of sophistication, complexity and connection, building on functions, calculus, statistics from Mathematical Methods, while vectors, complex numbers and matrices are introduced. Functions and calculus are essential for creating models of the physical world. Statistics are used to describe and analyse phenomena involving probability, uncertainty and variation. Matrices, complex numbers and vectors are essential tools for explaining abstract or complex relationships that occur in scientific and technological endeavours.

Student learning experiences range from practising essential mathematical routines to developing procedural fluency, through to investigating scenarios, modelling the real world, solving problems and explaining reasoning.

What makes a student suited to Specialist Mathematics?

Students who achieve success in Specialist Mathematics are those who: 
  • enjoy studying mathematics 
  • are required to do further mathematics and are motivated to be successful 
  • are able to use complex algebra 
  • are able to manage their time and are successful in all forms of assessment 

What prerequisites must students meet in order to take this subject?

Year 9 - A standard for Mathematics

Year 10 - A standard for Mathematical Methods


What is the cost of this subject?

Nil - all costs covered by the Student Resource Scheme.

What materials or equipment do I need for this subject?

  • Scientific Calculator
  • Graphics Calculator
  • BYOD laptop​
  • A4 exercise book for class use 
  • A4 bound notebook for Cornell Note taking
  • A4 Box File with zip
  • Internet Access for digital textbook access
  • From year 10 compulsory BYOD for word processing and excel spread-sheeting

What do students study in this subject and how are they assessed?

  Unit OverviewsAssessment
Year 10Semester 1
Introductory Units
· reciprocal trigonometric functions
· combinatorics
· statistical inferences 
· geometric proofs and reasoning
Summative internal assessment 1
• Problem-solving and modelling task
Summative internal assessment 2:
• Examination
 Semester 2Introductory Units
· vectors and matrices
· real and complex numbers
· area under the curve
Summative internal assessment 3
• Problem-solving and modelling task
Summative internal assessment 4:
• Examination
Year 11Unit 1Combinatorics, vectors and proof
• Combinatorics
• Vectors in the plane
• Introduction to proof
Formative internal assessment 1: 20%
• Problem-solving and modelling task
Formative internal assessment 2: 15%
• Examination
Unit 2Complex numbers, trigonometry,    functions and matrices
• Complex numbers 1
• Trigonometry and functions
• Matrices
Formative internal assessment 3 : 15%
• Examination
Formative internal assessment 4: 50%
• Examination
Year 12Unit 3Mathematical induction, and further vectors, matrices and complex numbers
• Proof by mathematical induction
• Vectors and matrices
• Complex numbers 2
Summative internal assessment 1 (IA1): 20%
• Problem-solving and modelling task
Summative internal assessment 2 (IA2): 15%
• Examination
Unit 4Further statistical and calculus inference
• Integration and applications of          Integration
• Rates of change and differential     equations
• Statistical inference
Summative internal assessment 3 (IA3): 15%
• Examination
Summative external assessment (EA): 50%
• Examination


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Last reviewed 21 August 2023
Last updated 21 August 2023