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Cowra High School

Cowra High School

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Mathematics

MATHS

Years 7-10

Mathematics is mandatory for all students from Year 7 to Year 10.

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. Mathematical ideas are constantly developing, and mathematics is integral to scientific and technological advances in many fields of endeavour. Digital technologies provide access to new tools for continuing mathematical exploration and invention. 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.

Mathematics in Years 7–10 focuses on developing increasingly sophisticated and refined mathematical understanding, fluency, communication, logical reasoning, analytical thought and problem-solving skills. These capabilities enable students to respond to familiar and unfamiliar situations by employing strategies to make informed decisions and solve problems relevant to their further education and everyday lives.

The Mathematics Years 7–10 course includes Life Skills outcomes and content for students with a  disability.

Students develop understanding and fluency in mathematics through inquiry, exploring and connecting mathematical concepts, choosing and applying problem-solving skills and mathematical techniques, communication, and reasoning.

They study Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Within these strands they will cover a range of topic areas including: financial mathematics, algebraic techniques, equations, linear and non-linear relationships, surface area and volume, properties of geometrical figures, trigonometry, data collection and representation, data analysis, and probability.

Course requirements

Years 7-10: Nil

Years 11 and 12

The Mathematics Stage 6 syllabuses are designed to offer opportunities for students to think mathematically through questioning, communicating, reasoning and reflecting. They promote development of 21st-century knowledge, skills, understanding, values and attitudes and provide challenge. Students generalise, find connections, think critically and creatively, using appropriate technology to support mathematical activity.

Students can select from a range of board developed courses, including:

Numeracy

The Numeracy course builds on the knowledge, skills and understanding presented in the K–10 curriculum. It supports students to develop the functional numeracy skills required to become active and successful participants in society.

The Numeracy Stage 6 CEC Syllabus is designed to offer opportunities for students to reason numerically and think mathematically. Numerical reasoning and mathematical thinking are supported by an atmosphere of questioning, communicating, reasoning and reflecting and are engendered by opportunities to generalise, challenge, find connections and to think critically and creatively.

The Numeracy course provides opportunities for students to develop 21st-century knowledge, skills, understanding, values and attitudes. As part of this, students are encouraged to learn to use appropriate technology as an effective support for numerical and mathematical activities.

All students studying the Numeracy course will not sit an HSC examination.

Mathematics Standard

Mathematics Standard students use mathematics to make informed decisions in their daily lives. Students develop understanding and competence in mathematics through real-world applications. These skills can be used in a range of concurrent HSC subjects.

In Year 12, Mathematics Standard comprises of two separate courses:

§  Mathematics Standard 1

Mathematics Standard 1 improves numeracy by building student confidence and making mathematics meaningful. Numerate students can manage situations or solve problems in everyday life, work or further learning.

All students studying the Mathematics Standard 1 course have the option to sit the HSC examination.

§  Mathematics Standard 2

In Mathematics Standard 2 students extend their mathematical skills beyond Stage 5 without the in-depth knowledge of higher mathematics that the study of calculus would provide. This course prepares students for a wide range of educational and employment aspirations, including continuing their studies at a tertiary level.

All students studying the Mathematics Standard 2 course will sit an HSC examination.

 

**If you wish to study Mathematics Advanced and/or Mathematics Extension 1 in Years 11 and 12, and Mathematics Extension 2 in Year 12, please speak to Mrs Yates before making your subject selections to discuss suitability.

 

Mathematics Advanced

The Mathematics Advanced course is a calculus-based course focused on developing student awareness of mathematics as a unique and powerful way of viewing the world to investigate order, relation, pattern, uncertainty and generality. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop ways of thinking in which problems are explored through observation, reflection and reasoning.

The Mathematics Extension 1 Year 11 course includes the Mathematics Advanced Year 11 course. The Mathematics Extension 1 Year 12 course includes the Mathematics Advanced Year 12 course.

All students studying the Mathematics Advanced course will sit for an HSC examination.

Mathematics Extension 1

Mathematics Extension 1 is focused on enabling students to develop a thorough understanding of and competence in further aspects of mathematics. The course provides opportunities to develop rigorous mathematical arguments and proofs, and to use mathematical models more extensively.

The Mathematics Extension 1 Year 11 course includes the Mathematics Advanced Year 11 course. The Mathematics Extension 1 Year 12 course includes the Mathematics Advanced Year 12 course.

The Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 course includes the Mathematics Extension 1 Year 12 course, and therefore also the Mathematics Advanced Year 12 course.

All students studying the Mathematics Extension 1 course will sit for an HSC examination.

Mathematics Extension 2

Mathematics Extension 2 provides students with the opportunity to develop strong mathematical manipulative skills and a deep understanding of the fundamental ideas of algebra and calculus, as well as an appreciation of mathematics as an activity with its own intrinsic value, involving invention, intuition and exploration. Mathematics Extension 2 extends students’ conceptual knowledge and understanding through exploration of new areas of mathematics not previously seen.

The Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 course includes the Mathematics Extension 1 Year 12 course and the Mathematics Advanced Year 12 course.

The Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Extension 2 Stage 6 courses form a continuum.

All students studying the Mathematics Extension 2 course will sit for an HSC examination.