VCE Vocational Major: Numeracy Units 3 – 4
Overview
Overview:
VCE VM Numeracy focuses on the skills and knowledge you need to solve problems using mathematical skills such as calculating, measuring and analysing.
In Unit 3, you will complete three projects using a problem-solving cycle – focusing on personal numeracy, health numeracy and vocational numeracy. You will have the opportunity to plan an event for 100 people, adapt a burger recipe to improve its healthiness and design a tiny house.
In Unit 4, you will complete a further three projects using the problem-solving cycle – this time focusing on civic numeracy, financial numeracy and recreational numeracy. These projects centre on evaluating mathematical evidence for climate change, assessing the risks of gambling and applying the mathematics in sports and games.
You will be able to apply this knowledge to your day-to-day life, current schooling and vocational opportunities.
Who is it for?
This subject is for eligible VCE VM students who need to improve their skills in the practical applications of calculating amounts, measuring dimensions and analysing data.
Students who would like to go on to further vocational studies or enter the workforce will benefit from building a broad range of numeracy skills and strategies.
What do you do?
Activities in this subject include:
- Interactive online lessons
- Interactive multimedia activities
- Weekly tasks
- Student forums and collaborations
- Quizzes
- Designs and diagrams
- Reports, posters and digital presentations
What skills do you need?
You do not need any existing skills or background knowledge for this subject but you would benefit from:
- Basic calculator and measurement skills
- Reading and writing skills
- Computer literacy
- Willingness to learn and collaborate
What skills do you develop?
Some of the skills you will have the opportunity to develop in this subject include:
- Planning timelines and schedules including estimations
- Calculating amounts, costs and volumes
- Designing and displaying 2D and 3D diagrams including measurements of length, area and angles
- Graphing, identifying trends and analysing results
- Calculating probabilities and weighing risks mathematically
- Choosing the correct mathematical tools/technologies and justifying their use
- Identification of a broader range of mathematical tools such as those used in industry
- Project-based learning skills
- Reflecting on the success of your projects
- Evaluating the accuracy of mathematics
Requirements
Internet is needed to access this course. All work will be completed and submitted online.
Things to think about
It is important to note that Numeracy does not receive a study score, so it will not count to receiving an ATAR. If you are intending to study Numeracy, you will be enrolling in a VCE VM program with the intention of achieving a non-scored senior certificate
Things you can do now
Preparing for Numeracy involves a combination of academic, practical and personal preparations. Here are some actionable steps you can take to get ready for the course:
- Organise your study environment
- Notice where you already use numeracy and mathematics in your everyday
- Be aware of everyday mathematical tools in your home
- Challenge yourself to research an industry or employment opportunity you’re interested in and identify the mathematics they use in their everyday work
- Practise your communication skills
Things to have a look at
Watch this brief video to understand how numeracy is different to mathematics.