Mathematics 5.1
Mathematics is a mandatory course that is studied substantially in each of Years 7–10 with at least 400 hours to be completed by the end of Year 10. This is a requirement for eligibility for the award of the School Certificate.
Course Description
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.
The aim of Mathematics in K–10 is to develop students’ mathematical thinking, understanding, competence and confidence in the application of mathematics, their creativity, enjoyment and appreciation of the subject, and their engagement in lifelong learning.
In order to meet students’ vocational and other learning needs beyond the compulsory years, a variety of mathematical learning experiences are required in Years 9 and 10. The arrangement of content in Stage 5 acknowledges the wide range of achievement of students in Mathematics as they enter the last two years of their compulsory years of schooling. Stage 5.1 content is designed to meet the needs of students who achieve Stage 4 outcomes during Year 9 or Year 10. Stage 5.2 content builds on and includes the content of Stage 5.1 and is designed for students who have achieved Stage 4 content generally by the end of Year 8 or early in Year 9. Stage 5.3 content includes the content for 5.1 and 5.2 and is designed for students who have achieved Stage 4 outcomes probably before the end of Year 8.
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:
- fractions
- decimals
- percentages
- consumer arithmetic
- probability
- algebraic techniques
- coordinate geometry
- graphing and interpreting data
- perimeter
- area
- surface area and volume
- trigonometry
- properties of solids
- geometrical figures
- deductive geometry
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.
Students who have achieved Stage 5.1 outcomes explain and verify mathematical relationships, ask and explore questions which can be solved using mathematics, and link mathematical ideas to existing knowledge and understanding. They use mathematical language and notation to explain mathematical ideas, and interpret tables, diagrams and text in mathematical situations.
Students apply their knowledge of percentages, fractions and decimals to problems involving consumer situations related to earning and spending money, and simple and compound interest. They simplify and evaluate arithmetic expressions using index laws and express numbers in scientific notation using both positive and negative powers of ten. Students determine relative frequency and theoretical probability.
Students apply the index laws to simplify algebraic expressions. They determine the midpoint, length and gradient of intervals on the number plane and draw graphs of linear and simple non-linear relationships.
Their statistical skills are extended to include grouping data into class intervals and constructing and interpreting cumulative frequency tables, histograms and polygons.
Skills in measurement are further developed to include the use of formulae when calculating the area and perimeter of composite figures. Students apply right-angled triangle trigonometry to practical situations including those involving angles of elevation and depression.
School Certificate
Satisfactory completion of the mandatory study of Mathematics during Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) will be recorded with a grade on the student’s School Certificate Record of Achievement Part A. In Year 10, students undertaking the Board Developed Course in Mathematics sit for the Mathematics School Certificate test.