Mathematics

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.

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.

• Numeracy (CEC)

Mathematics

The study of Mathematics provides students with a foundation for lifelong learning, critical thinking and technical problem solving. Mathematics helps students prepare for successful roles in an ever-changing society. Far too many students develop the perception that success in Mathematics depends on some innate ability and that mathematics will never be useful in their lives. At Bega High School, we believe that all students can learn mathematics and that all students need to learn mathematics.

Bega High provides textbooks for student use throughout the year at school, and at home in electronic form.  Students who receive a hardcopy of a text will be issued with protective book sleeve to minimise damage to these texts.

At the end of the year the texts, as well as the book sleeves, are to be returned to the classroom teacher.  Failure to do so will incur the following fines:

• Non Return or irreparable damage of text = $50.00
• Non Return or damage of protective sleeve = $5.00

Homework is crucial for reinforcing content talk and all junior classes (Years 7 to 10) receive through Microsoft Teams a weekly online homework that revises current and previously taught work, failure to complete this work will require students to attend a homework club during lunch hours.

In Years 7 to 10, students develop essential mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding in Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability. Together with the processes of Working Mathematically: Communicating, Problem Solving, Reasoning, Understanding and Fluency; the study of mathematics provides students with the opportunities to enjoy and appreciate the value of mathematics and to develop the mathematical skills necessary to prepare them for the higher level course in Years 11 and 12 that in turn will develop the tools needed for future educational and career options.

Mathematics Years 7 and 8

Students are actively involved in learning, doing and using mathematics to solve problems. Opportunities are provided for students to explore, manipulate, estimate, calculate, draw, measure, abstract, describe and deduce in the search for patterns and relationships leading to the development of concepts and generalisations.  Through a range of activities, students learn mathematical skills in problem-solving, geometry, measurement, data, number and algebra.

Assessment is carried out by class assignments, tests and formal examinations which may include common components across classes. The non-calculator component in the formal examination is common across all courses.

A scientific calculator is essential. (These are available from the Front office at a cost of $30.)

Mathematics Years 9 and 10

In Years 9 and 10, students are placed in one of three courses depending on their ability. The three courses are Stage 5.3 (Advanced), Stage 5.2 (Intermediate) and Stage 5.1 (Standard). In Stage 5 Mathematics students continue to build on their skills in each of the strands (Working Mathematically, Number, Patterns and Algebra, Data, Measurement, Space and Geometry).

The depth of study incorporating the process of questioning, reflecting, reasoning and proof depends on the course of Mathematics being studied. Students will be given the opportunity to solve meaningful and challenging problems in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts to develop their "mathematical thinking, understanding, competence and confidence in the application of mathematics."

Assessment is carried out by class or course assignments, tests and formal examinations. The non-calculator component in the formal examination is common across all courses.

It is important to note that:

1. a scientific calculator is essential (These are available from the front office at a cost of $30.)
2. the level of Mathematics studied in Years 9 and 10 may affect or limit a student's choice of Mathematics course for the HSC.

Mathematics Years 11 and 12

Numeracy

The numeracy couse 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 paricipants in society.

Year 11

• Operations with number
• Measurement
• Data and Porbability

Year 12

• Percentages
• Finance
• Measurement
• Statistics and Probability

Mathematics Standard 1 and 2

There are six areas of study which integrate mathematical skills and knowledge across other subject areas studied in Stage 6. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of and competence in further aspects of mathematics through a large variety of real-world applications for concurrent HSC studies, such as in vocational education and training courses, other practically oriented courses, and some humanities courses, and for vocational pathways, in the workforce or in further training.

The 6 areas of study are:

• Financial Mathematics
• Data and Statistics
• Measurement
• Probability
• Algebra and Modelling
• Networks

Mathematics Advanced

This course is designed for those wanting to study mathematics, economics, commerce, science, medical, psychology, pharmacy, IT, vetenary science and engineering at University. Those students wishing to study significant levels of mathematics at University are advised to speak to the Careers Adviser and Head Teacher of Mathematics for further advice.

Course Requirements: A scientific calculator is essential for any student studying a Mathematics course.

Areas of Study in Year 11:

• Functions
• Trigonometic Functions
  
• Calculus
  
• Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
• Statistical Analysis

Areas of Study in the HSC:

• Functions
• Trigonometric Functions
  
• Calculus
  
• Financial Mathematics
• Statistical Analysis

Mathematics Extension 1

Students must understand the commitment needed to ensure success in this course, as lessons are often held before and after normal school hours.

Areas of Study in Year 11:

• Further work with functions
• Polynomials
• Inverse Functions
• Calculus - rates of change
• Combinatorics

Areas of Study in the HSC Course:

• Proof
• Vectors
• Trigonometric Equations
• Further calculus
• The Binomial Distribution

Mathematics Extension 2

This course is designed for students who have a special aptitude for mathematics and have excelled within the Extension 1 Mathematics course. Only students who have demonstrated a high level of success within the Extension 1 Mathematics course should consider attempting this course.
Only students who have demonstrated a high level of success within the Extension 1 Mathematics course should consider attempting this course.

Areas of Study:

• Proof
• Vectors in 3D
• Complex Numbers
• Further Integration
• Mechanics