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.
Mathematics is deeply embedded in modern society. From the numeracy skills required to manage personal finances, to making sense of data in various forms, to leading-edge technologies in the sciences and engineering, mathematics provides the framework for interpreting, analysing and predicting, and the tools for effective participation in an increasingly complex society.
Stage 4 Mathematics - Years 7 and 8
- The essential content for Mathematics in Years 7-10 is structured using one process strand: Working Mathematically and three content strands:
- Number and Algebra,
- Measurement and Geometry
- Statistics and Probability
- These strands contain the knowledge, skills and understanding for the study of Mathematics in the compulsory years of schooling.
- Classes in years 7 and 8 follow the same course work, with extension work offered to the more mathematically able students.
- Advanced notice is given to students when a test is approaching. Semester reports have a grade reflecting common assessment results, which are outcomes based.
Stage 5 Mathematics - Years 9 and 10
There are three specific endpoints that students in Stage 5 can achieve. These are 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3. We have developed three separate pathways that are designed to reach these three endpoints at an appropriate time in the students learning.
The 5.1 Pathway
The 5.1 Pathway is for those students that are still developing their skills and need a more hands on approach. Here we focus our studies around everyday life and the abilities they need to survive in the real world. We look at things like mathematics in: the work place, sport, building, food, environment, community and many others. Students following the 5.1 Pathway who wish to go on to Stage 6 (HSC) Mathematics would choose the General Mathematics Preliminary Course in Year 11 and the Mathematics General 1 HSC Course in year 12.
The 5.2 Pathway
The 5.2 Pathway is for those students that have a solid understanding of Mathematics. In this Pathway the students experience the 5.1 Outcomes first and then attempt the 5.2 Outcomes. It is recommended that students following the 5.2 Pathway who wish to go on to Stage 6 (HSC) would choose the General Mathematics Preliminary Course in Year 11 and the General Mathematics Course 2 HSC course. These students should experience at least some of the Stage 5.2 content particularly the Patterns and Algebra topics and Trigonometry, if not all of the content.
The 5.3 Pathway
The 5.3 Pathway is designed for those students who have achieved a high standard in Stage 4. It is a more abstract Pathway and covers more demanding concepts in each strand. In this Pathway the students must complete all of the 5.1 and 5.2 Outcomes, followed by the 5.3 Outcomes.
Students following the 5.3 Pathway who want to go into Stage 6 (HSC) Mathematics would take the advanced HSC Mathematics course. They would have the additional choice of Mathematics Extension 1 & 2 courses. It is recommended these students should experience the topics Real Numbers, Trigonometry, Algebraic Techniques, Co-ordinate Geometry and Deductive Geometry.
Stage 6 Mathematics - Years 11 and 12
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is currently introducing new Stage 6 Mathematics syllabuses. The courses offered at Mount Austin High School during the transition period are as follows:
Mathematics - up to and including 2019
This advanced level course is intended to give students who have demonstrated general competence in the skills of Stage 5 Mathematics an understanding of further aspects of mathematics which are applicable to the real world. The course is a sufficient basis for further studies in mathematics as a minor discipline at tertiary level in support of courses such as the life sciences or commerce. Students who require substantial mathematics at a tertiary level, supporting the physical sciences, computer science or engineering, should undertake the Mathematics Extension 1 course or both the Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Extension 2 courses.
Mathematics General 2 - up to and including 2018
This course focuses on mathematical skills and techniques which have direct application to everyday activity. The course is designed to support TAFE and other vocational courses. It provides an appropriate mathematical background for students who do not wish to pursue the formal study of mathematics at tertiary level, while giving a strong foundation for university study in the areas of business, humanities, nursing and paramedical sciences.
Mathematics General 1 - up to and including 2018
This course is a non ATAR course. It provides a solid foundation for the use of Mathematics in everyday life and an appropriate mathematical background for students who do not wish to pursue further studies in Mathematics.
Mathematics Advanced - 2020 onwards
This is a calculus based course focused on developing student awareness of mathematics as a unique and powerful way of viewing the world to investigate order, relation, pattern, uncertainty and generality. Students who require substantial mathematics at a tertiary level should also undertake the Mathematics Extension 1 course or both the Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Extension 2 courses.
Mathematics Standard 2 - 2019 onwards
This course provides opportunities for students to consider various applications of mathematics in a broad range of contemporary contexts through the use of mathematical modelling and use these models to solve problems related to their present and future needs. The Standard 2 course also provides opportunities for students to develop skills in further aspects of mathematics for concurrent HSC studies and provides an appropriate mathematical background for students entering the workforce or undertaking further tertiary training.
Mathematics Standard 1 - 2019 onwards
This course enables students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in working mathematically and provides an appropriate mathematical background for students entering the workforce or undertaking further community and workplace training.