Mathematics
In the school setting Mathematics learning enables students to develop useful mathematical skills for future employment and life as an adult; apply mathematical skills and knowledge to solving theoretical and practical problems; develop specialist knowledge in mathematics in the later years as preparation for further study at university or a TAFE. The course assists students to increasingly understand and apply mathematical skills with confidence.
All students in Years 7-10 study mathematics as a core subject focusing on the following Victorian Essential Learning Standards Dimensions:
* Number
* Space
* Measurement, Chance and Data
* Structure
* Working Mathematically
Students study a common program across years 7 to 9. In year 10, two levels of study (Extension and Mainstream) are offered.
At Forest Hill College all VCE Mathematics subjects are offered, allowing us to cater for students of all abilities and interests.
Units 1 & 2 (Year 11)
Units 3 & 4 (Year 12)
Foundation Mathematics
Further Mathematics
General Mathematics (F)
Mathematical Methods (3&4)
General Mathematics (M)
Specialist Mathematics
Mathematical Methods (1&2)
Note: Where appropriate, students are expected to use graphics calculators, computers and relevant software in their mathematical studies.
Units 1& 2 (Year 11)
Foundation Mathematics –There is a strong emphasis on using mathematics in practical contexts relating to everyday life, recreation, work and study in this course. These units are especially useful for students undertaking some VET studies. This subject is intended for students who do not undertake other Unit 1 and 2 mathematics and who do not intend to undertake Unit 3 and 4 studies in mathematics in the following year.
For the following studies students are required to apply mathematical knowledge and skills creatively to solve problems in unfamiliar situations, including real-life contexts; learn and practise mathematical algorithms, routines and techniques, and to use them to find solutions to standard problems.
General Mathematics - General Mathematics Units 1 and 2 involve the study of Arithmetic, Data analysis and simulation, Algebra, Graphs of linear and non-linear relations, Decision and business mathematics and Geometry and trigonometry. Students are required to undertake extended independent investigative projects involving the use of mathematics.
General Mathematics is offered at two levels:
General Mathematics (M) supports students in their study of Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2 and provides preparation for Mathematical Methods Units 3 & 4 and Specialist Mathematics.
General Mathematics (F) prepares students for Further Mathematics Units 3 & 4.
Mathematical Methods Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 are designed as preparation for Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4. They involve the study of Functions and graphs, Algebra, Rates of change and calculus and Probability. Students are required to undertake extended independent investigative projects involving the use of mathematics.
Units 3 & 4 (Year 12)
Further Mathematics - Further Mathematics Units 3 and 4 consist of a compulsory core area of study ‘Data analysis’ and then a selection of three from six modules in the ‘Applications’ area of study. Unit 3 comprises the ‘Data analysis’ area of study and one of the selected modules from the ‘Applications’ area of study. In Unit 4, two optional modules will be studied. The modules are: Number Patterns, Geometry and trigonometry, Graphs and relations, Business-related mathematics, Networks and decision mathematics and Matrices. In Unit 3 students undertake a statistical application task.
Mathematical Methods - Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 involve the study of Functions and graphs, Calculus, Algebra and Probability. Students will be expected to apply techniques, routines and processes both with and without the use of technology. Students should be familiar with relevant mental and by hand approaches in simple cases.
Specialist Mathematics - Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 consist of Functions, relations and graphs, Algebra, Calculus, Vectors and Mechanics. The course content highlights mathematical structure and proofs, and assumes concurrent or previous study of Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4. Students are expected to apply techniques, routines and processes both with and without the use of technology.
For detailed study descriptions refer to - VCE Handbook
During the year students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of enrichment activities including:
Australian Mathematics Competition (Years 7 – 12)
Australasian Schools Mathematics Assessment (Years 7 – 12)
Maths Challenge for Young Australians (Years 7 – 10)
University of Canberra Maths Day (Year 12)
