(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?
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 Overviews | Assessment |
| Year 10 | Semester 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 2 | Introductory 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 11 | Unit 1 | Combinatorics, 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 2 | Complex 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 12 | Unit 3 | Mathematical 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 4 | Further 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
|