Stage 1 Mathematical Methods

Subject Overview

Maths Methods develops an increasingly complex and sophisticated understanding of calculus, statistics, mathematical arguments, and proofs, and using mathematical models. By using functions, their derivatives, and integrals, and by mathematically modelling physical processes, students develop a deep understanding of the physical world through a sound knowledge of relationships involving rates of change. Students use statistics to describe and analyse phenomena that involve uncertainty and variation. 

Maths Methods will run for the full-year and will prepare students for Stage 2 Maths Methods.

Students looking to pursue Stage 2 Specialist Mathematics will be required to complete Maths Methods and Specialist Prep in Year 11. If you are wanting to study Specialist Maths in Year 12, we will need to discuss you undertaking Specialist Prep at another school site or through Open Access College.

Topics that may be included in Maths Methods

• Functions and graphs 
• Polynomials 
• Trigonometry 
• Growth and decay 
• Introduction to differential calculus 
• Arithmetic and geometric sequences and series* 
• Geometry* 
• Vectors in the plane* 
• Further trigonometry* 
• Matrices* 
• Real and complex numbers* 

Topics with * will be studied in Stage 1 Specialist Prep.

Assessment and Rationale

At Stage 1, students will undertake a variety of assessments including investigations, exams and short answer response questions.  

Additional Information

Maths is a compulsory subject within the SACE. Maths Methods will run for the full year where students will need to achieve a C grade or higher in both semesters.

Stage 1 General Maths

Subject Overview

General Mathematics extends students’ mathematical skills in ways that apply to practical problem-solving. These topics cover a diverse range of applications of mathematics, including personal financial management, measurement and trigonometry, the statistical investigation process, modelling using linear and non-linear functions, and discrete modelling using networks and matrices. 

This subject is for those students who would like to continue their maths through until the end of Year 12 and for those students who are considering a pathway to higher education in fields such as education, sport, marketing and health care. 

Topics that may be included in General Maths: 

• Matrices and networks 
• Investing and borrowing 
• Measurement 
• Statistical investigation 
• Applications of trigonometry
• Linear and exponential functions and their graphs 

Assessment and Rationale

At Stage 1, students will undertake a variety of assessments including investigations, exams and short answer response questions.  

Additional Information

Maths is a compulsory subject within the SACE. General Maths will run for the full year where students will need to achieve a C grade or higher in both semesters.

Stage 1 Essential Maths

Subject Overview

Essential Mathematics offers senior secondary students the opportunity to extend their mathematical skills in ways that apply to practical problem-solving in everyday and workplace contexts. Students apply their mathematics to diverse settings, including everyday calculations, financial management, business applications, measurement and geometry, and statistics in social contexts. In Essential Mathematics there is an emphasis on developing students’ computational skills and expanding their ability to apply their mathematical skills in flexible and resourceful ways. This subject is for those students who will be studying Essential Mathematics at Stage 2 in Year 12. Students who are considering a pathway into trade or vocations. 

Topics that may be included in Essential Maths: 

• Calculations, Time and Transposition 
• Measurement  
• Pythagoras Theorem 
• Trigonometry 
• Geometry 
• Earning and Spending 
• Investing 

Assessment and Rationale

At Stage 1, students will undertake a variety of assessments including investigations, exams and short answer response questions.  

Additional Information

Maths is a compulsory subject within the SACE. Essential Maths will run for 1-Semester where students will need to achieve a C grade or higher. If students aren’t successful in their first semester, support will be provided in Semester 2 to ensure that a passing grade is achieved.