Subjects

Who is it for?

This subject is for students who would like to develop critical skills in mathematics that can be applied to a wide range of educational and employment pathways. This includes further studies at university or TAFE.

Many tertiary courses require VCE Mathematics as a prerequisite for entry. This subject will qualify you for some of these courses. If you intend to focus in Mathematics, or to pursue studies in maths-heavy disciplines such as engineering, medicine or the sciences, you need to consider Mathematical Methods and Specialist units in your final year of VCE studies. Check with the tertiary provider that you have enrolled in the appropriate VCE Mathematics course.

What do you do?

The structure of this course consists of weekly set tasks, assignments and projects. Each week you are expected to read and practise exercises and complete work for submission.

These tasks are aimed at helping you achieve outcomes in a number of key knowledge and skills related to the Areas of Study. There is School-assessed Coursework (SAC) which must be completed during the year.

What skills do you need?

You are expected to have successfully completed Year 10 Mathematics. You will need to have a working knowledge of using a graphics calculator and Excel.

What skills do you develop?

The skills that students will develop in this subject are:

• understanding of concepts and techniques drawn from the topic areas of number and algebra, geometry and trigonometry, graphs and networks, and statistics
• ability to solve problems using concepts and techniques drawn from the topic areas
• reasoning and interpretive skills in mathematical and statistical contexts
• capacity to communicate the results of a mathematical or statistical problem-solving activity in a concise and systematic manner using appropriate mathematical and statistical language
• capacity to choose and use technology appropriately and efficiently.

Requirements

Required Resources:

CAS technology:

• If buying a new calculator, it is highly recommended to purchase a TI-Nspire CXII-CAS.
• For this study, you need access to VCAA-approved CAS technology. VSV course notes are written using the TI-Nspire CAS and Casio ClassPad calculators. The textbook contains instructions for both TI-Nspire CAS and Casio ClassPad calculators. However, any of the listed VCAA-approved CAS technologies can be used.

• Further information on VCAA-approved technology is available on their website.
• You are encouraged to contact your Mathematics teacher for advice before purchasing a calculator.

You will need the following materials:

• Stationary
• Exercise book for your working

Things to think about

You should have a good knowledge of the Year 10 Mathematics curriculum.

The expected workload is five to six hours per week. Assessment tasks and projects are a part of the Unit study. You are expected to submit all required work according to the submission timetable.

Things you can do now

To prepare for General Mathematics Units 1 and 2 you are encouraged to revise Year 10 Mathematics topics. You are also advised to revise the topic of Matrices if you have not previously covered the topic.

Go to the VCAA website for more information about this subject.