Specialist Mathematics’ major domains are
Vectors and matrices, Real and complex
numbers, Trigonometry, Statistics and
Calculus.
Specialist Mathematics is designed for
students who develop confidence in their
mathematical knowledge and ability and
gain a positive view of themselves as
mathematics learners. They will gain an
appreciation of the true nature of
mathematics, its beauty, and its power.
Students learn topics developed
systematically, with increasing levels of
sophistication, complexity and connection,
building on functions, calculus, and statistics
from Mathematical Methods, while vectors,
complex numbers and matrices are
introduced. Functions and calculus are
essential for creating models of the physical
world. Statistics describe and
analyse phenomena involving probability,
uncertainty and variation. Matrices, complex
numbers and vectors are essential for explaining abstract or complex relationships in scientific and technological
endeavours.
Student learning experiences range from
practising essential mathematical routines to
developing procedural fluency, investigating scenarios, modelling the real
world, solving problems and explaining
reasoning.
Pathways
| Objectives
|
A course of study in Specialist Mathematics
can establish a basis for further education
and employment in the fields of science, all
branches of mathematics and statistics,
computer science, medicine, engineering,
finance and economics.
| By the conclusion of the course of study, students will:
- Select, recall and use facts, rules,
definitions and procedures drawn from
Vectors and matrices, Real and complex
numbers, Trigonometry, Statistics and
Calculus
- comprehend mathematical concepts and
techniques drawn from Vectors and
matrices, Real and complex numbers,
Trigonometry, Statistics and Calculus
- communicate using mathematical,
statistical and everyday language and
conventions
- evaluate the reasonableness of solutions
- justify procedures and decisions, and
prove propositions by explaining
mathematical reasoning
- solve problems by applying mathematical
concepts and techniques drawn from
Vectors and matrices, Real and complex
numbers, Trigonometry, Statistics and
Calculus.
|
Structure
Specialist Mathematics will be undertaken in conjunction with, or on completion of, Mathematical
Methods.
Unit 1
| Unit 2
| Unit 3
| Unit 4
|
Combinatorics,
vectors and proof
- Combinatorics
- Vectors in the
plane
- Introduction to
proof
| Complex numbers,
trigonometry,
functions and
matrices
- Complex numbers
1
- Trigonometry and
functions
- Matrices
| Mathematical
induction, and further
vectors, matrices and
complex numbers
- Proof by
mathematical
induction
- Vectors and
matrices
- Complex numbers
2
| Further statistical and
calculus inference
- Integration and
applications of
integration
- Rates of change
and differential
equations
- Statistical
inference
|
Assessment
Schools devise assessments in Units 1 and 2 to suit their local context.
In Units 3 and 4, students complete four summative assessments. The results from each assessment are added together to provide a subject score out of 100. Students will also receive
an overall subject result (A–E).
Summative assessments
Unit 3
| Unit 4
|
Summative internal assessment 1 (IA1):
• Problem-solving and modelling task
| 20%
| Summative internal assessment 3 (IA3):
• Examination
| 15%
|
Summative internal assessment 2 (IA2):
• Examination
| 15%
| Summative external assessment (EA):
• Examination
| 50%
|
Enrol