The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
By studying mathematics, students learn to work mathematically – developing fluency, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning and communication skills.
The syllabus consists of the following strands:
- number and algebra
- measurement and geometry
- statistics and probability.
Mathematics is a mandatory course and is a requirement for completion of Stage 5.
This subject is studied at three levels: Advanced, Intermediate and Standard. All students planning to study Mathematics 2U or Mathematics Extension for the HSC are strongly recommended to take Advanced Mathematics for the School Certificate.
Mathematics is used to identify, describe and apply patterns and relationships. It provides a precise means of communication and is a powerful tool for solving problems both within and beyond mathematics. In addition to its practical applications, the study of mathematics is a valuable pursuit in its own right, providing opportunities for originality, challenge and leisure.
What will students learn about?
Students study Number, Patterns and Algebra, Data, Measurement, Space and Geometry. Within each of these strands they will cover a range of topics including:
- geometrical figures - percentages
- consumer arithmetic - probability
- algebraic techniques - perimeter
- coordinate geometry - area
- surface area & volume - trigonometry
- properties of solids - decimals
- deductive geometry - frations
- graphing & interpreting data
What will students learn to do?
Students learn to ask questions in relation to mathematical situations and their mathematical experiences; develop, select and use a range of strategies, including the use of technology, to explore and solve problems; develop and use appropriate language and representations to communicate mathematical ideas; develop and use processes for exploring relationships, checking solutions and giving reasons to support their conclusions; and make connections with their existing knowledge and understanding and with the use of mathematics in the real world.
Early Stage One
By the end of Early Stage 1, students ask questions and use known facts to explore mathematical problems and develop fluency with mathematical ideas. They use everyday language, concrete materials and informal recordings to demonstrate understanding and link mathematical ideas.
Students count to 30 and represent numbers to 20 with objects, pictures, numerals and words. They read and use ordinal numbers to at least ‘tenth’. Students use concrete materials to model addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. They use the language of money and recognise the coins and notes of the Australian monetary system. Students divide objects into two equal parts and describe them as halves. They recognise, describe and continue repeating patterns of objects and drawings.
Stage One
By the end of Stage 1, students ask questions and use known facts, objects, diagrams and technology to explore mathematical problems and develop mathematical fluency. They link mathematical ideas and use appropriate language and diagrams to explain strategies used.
Students count, order, read and write two- and three-digit numbers and use a range of strategies and recording methods. They use mental strategies and concrete materials to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and solve problems. Students model and describe objects and collections divided into halves, quarters and eighths. They associate collections of Australian coins with their value. They use place value to partition numbers. Students describe and continue a variety of number patterns and build number relationships. They relate addition and subtraction facts for sums to at least 20.
Stage Two
By the end of Stage 2, students ask questions and use efficient mental and written strategies with increasing fluency to solve problems. They use technology to investigate mathematical concepts and check their solutions. Students use appropriate terminology to describe and link mathematical ideas, check statements for accuracy and explain their reasoning.
Students count, order, read and record numbers of up to five digits. They use informal and formal mental and written strategies to solve addition and subtraction problems. Students use mental strategies to recall multiplication facts up to 10 × 10 and related division facts. They use informal written strategies for multiplication and division of two-digit numbers by one-digit numbers. Students represent, model and compare commonly used fractions, and model, compare and represent decimals of up to two decimal places. Students perform simple calculations with money and solve simple purchasing problems. They record, describe and complete number patterns and determine missing numbers in number sentences. Students recognise the properties of odd and even numbers.
Stage Three
By the end of Stage 3, students ask questions and undertake investigations, selecting appropriate technological applications and problem-solving strategies to demonstrate fluency in mathematical techniques. They use mathematical terminology and some conventions, and they give valid reasons when comparing and selecting from possible solutions, making connections with existing knowledge and understanding.
Students select and apply appropriate mental, written or calculator strategies for the four operations and check the reasonableness of answers using estimation. They solve word problems and apply the order of operations to number sentences where required. Students identify factors and multiples and recognise the properties of prime, composite, square and triangular numbers. They connect fractions, decimals and percentages as different representations of the same value. Students compare, order and perform calculations with simple fractions, decimals and percentages and apply the four operations to money in real-life situations. Students record, describe and continue geometric and number patterns, and they find missing numbers in number sentences. They locate an ordered pair in any one of the four quadrants on the Cartesian plane.
In Year 11 and 12, the study of mathematics is optional. Courses offered include:
- Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Advanced
- Mathematics Standard 2
- Mathematics Standard 1 (Optional HSC examination)
- Mathematics Life Skills.