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Birrong Girls High School

Birrong Girls High School

Ad Astra - To the stars

Telephone02 9644 5057

Emailbirronggir-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Mathematics Course Content

Year 7

Year 7 Mathematics explores mathematical concepts in three strands: Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, Statistics and Probability.  During Year 7, the students gradually move from the concrete or 'hands-on' stage to the more abstract or 'algebraic' methods of problem-solving.

Year 8

Year 8 Mathematics continues the exploration of mathematical concepts three strands: Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, Statistics and Probability. During Year 8, the students continue to gradually move from the concrete or 'hands-on' stage to the more abstract or 'algebraic' methods of problem-solving.

At this Stage, students are encouraged to explore, search and question, to develop their means of communication and to improve their use of appropriate technologies. In the classroom, students are shown how to use mathematical equipment to investigate, discuss and write about mathematics in their own words and develop their own understanding of mathematical concepts.

Technological aids, namely calculators and computers, are used to assist in the solution of problems whilst still ensuring a high standard of basic numeracy skills amongst students. Mathematics classes are structured to cater for all levels of ability and interest.  These classes are designed to foster excellence and independent learning, to cater for different learning styles and to provide additional assistance for those students with special needs. 

Years 9-10

There are three levels of study within the two-year Stage 5 Mathematics course, namely 5.3, 5.2 and 5.1.  Students remain in their chosen level throughout Years 9 and 10, though a movement to a lower level is possible at definite points in the curriculum.

For new students coming into Birrong for Year 10, their chosen level of Mathematics must be the same as that studied at their previous school.

5.3 Mathematics Level

This level has been designed for the highly capable Mathematics student who shows a genuine aptitude for Mathematics and an advanced ability to problem solve in unfamiliar contexts. The nature and format of this level enables students to learn the mathematical principles required for the study of any one of the three Year 11 Mathematics courses. The 5.3 level is a prerequisite for the Year 11 Mathematics Extension 1 Course.

The topics studied at the 5.3 level include rational numbers, real numbers, consumer arithmetic, probability, algebraic techniques, coordinate geometry, graphs, data analysis, measurement, trigonometry and deductive geometry. Additional topics may include functions, logarithms, curve sketching, polynomials and circle geometry.

5.2  Mathematics Level

This level has been designed for those students who possess a reasonable level of Mathematical intuition and ability. The nature and format of this level enables students to learn the basic mathematical principles required for the study of either the 2 Unit "Calculus-based" Mathematics or 2 Unit General Mathematics courses in Years 11 and 12.  However, it has been found in the past that only students who perform in the top 10% of the 5.2 (Intermediate) level at Birrong Girls have sufficient foundational knowledge and ability to be able to cope with the rigour of the 2 Unit "Calculus-based" Mathematics course in Year 11.

The topics studied at the 5.2 (Intermediate) level include rational numbers, consumer arithmetic, probability, algebraic techniques, coordinate geometry, graphs, data analysis, measurement, trigonometry and geometry.

5.1 Mathematics Level

This level has been designed for those students who possess a basic level of Mathematical intuition and ability. The nature and format of this level enables students to learn the basic mathematical principles required for the study of the 2 Unit Mathematics Standard course in Years 11 and 12.

The topics for the 5.1 (Standard) level include rational numbers, consumer arithmetic, probability, algebraic techniques, coordinate geometry, data analysis, trigonometry, perimeter and area.

Years 11-12

There are three different courses of Mathematics study within Year 11, namely 2 Unit Mathematics Standard, 2 Unit "Calculus-based" Mathematics and Mathematics Extension 1.

Generally students remain in their chosen course throughout Years 11 and 12. Movement to a different course is possible, though only at definite points in the curriculum. Also, for any student changing course, a Catch-Up schedule of work must then be completed to fulfil NESA requirements.

For the HSC examinations, there are four courses of Mathematics that a student may study, namely 2 Unit Mathematics Standard 2, 2 Unit Mathematics Standard 1, 2 Unit "Calculus-based" Mathematics, Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Extension 2. 
For all courses, a student must have completed the Preliminary course work to an appropriate standard in order to be allowed to sit the corresponding HSC examination. Hence, by this late stage, students should remain in their chosen course throughout Year 12, as movement to a different course is neither recommended nor advisable. And if a student does wish to change course, then a significant Catch-Up schedule of all Preliminary work must be completed to fulfil NESA requirements.

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