Subjects

Who is it for?

This subject is for students who:

• Enjoy hands-on, practical learning rather than abstract theory.
• Want to feel more confident using maths in everyday situations.
• Like to learn about real-world topics like money, work, measurement, and data.
• Plan to start work, apprenticeships, or further training (like TAFE).
• Prefer applying maths to real problems
• Value learning maths skills that are useful in life and work – like budgeting, planning, and decision-making.

What do you do?

Activities in this subject include:

• Create a personal or work-related budget and compare costs. 
• Measure and calculate materials needed for a small building or cooking project. 
• Plan a trip, working out distances, time, and travel costs. 
• Collect and interpret data, like surveying classmates or analysing sports stats. 
• Complete a numeracy project based on a real-world interest, job, or goal. 
• Use digital tools like spreadsheets or maps to solve problems. 

What skills do you need?

To get started, students should: 

• Have basic number skills (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing). 
• Be able to read and understand simple maths problems in everyday language. 
• Feel confident using a calculator for working out problems. 
• Be willing to work with others and discuss ideas. 
• Be open to learning through real-life tasks rather than traditional tests. 
• Have completed VCE VM Numeracy Units 1 & 2 or have similar experience will be great value for units 3 and 4. 

What skills do you develop?

In this subject, students will build skills to: 

• Solve everyday maths problems with confidence. 
• Work with budgets, costs, and money in real situations. 
• Measure, estimate, and calculate using practical tools and methods. 
• Read and interpret data from tables, graphs, and surveys. 
• Use maths in planning and decision-making (e.g. for work, projects, or life tasks). 
• Communicate maths clearly in written and spoken form. 
• Work independently and in teams to complete tasks and projects. 
• Use digital tools like calculators, spreadsheets, and online maps. 

Requirements

To take part in this subject, students will need: 

• Access to a calculator, scientific calculators are preferred 
• Access to a laptop or device with internet for online research and digital tools (e.g. spreadsheets, maps) 
• An exercise book or folder for class notes and working out 
• Stationary: pens, pencils, ruler, eraser, highlighters 

Things to think about

It is worth noting that VCE VM Numeracy does not receive a study score in Units 3 and 4 so it will not count towards getting an ATAR but it does count towards the 16 required units needed to attain your VCE VM. 

Before starting this subject, students should know: 

• You’ll need basic maths skills (like working with numbers, measuring, and using a calculator). 
• You should feel comfortable reading and understanding everyday maths problems 
• The subject focuses on practical applied maths. 
• You’ll be expected to participate in online classes, and complete major numeracy projects. 
• You’ll need to stay organised and manage your time to complete tasks and projects. 

Things you can do now

• Keep practising basic maths skills – adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and using percentages. 
• Use a calculator confidently – get used to checking work and solving real-life problems with it. 
• Pay attention to maths in everyday life – like reading prices, measuring ingredients, or comparing phone plans. 
• Get organised – practise using a planner or calendar to manage tasks and due dates. 
• Talk to your teacher if you’re unsure about your maths level. 
• Think about your future goals – how could maths help in a job, course, or daily life?