General Mathematics

General Mathematics is designed for students to develop a broad range of quantitative skills to support them in fields such as business, commerce or the trades. The course introduces students to a personal financial management, the statistical investigation process, and modelling of the real world using lines, networks and matrices.

Recommended background

Students in Stage 1 study one of three levels of Mathematics. A students Year 10 results and teachers recommendation should be considered when deciding which level to select.

A student working below standard (a D or E grade) in Year 10 Mathematics should select Essential Mathematics. Students working at standard (a C grade) may select General Mathematics or Essential Mathematics. Students working above standard (an A or B grade) can select General Mathematics, though should select Mathematical Methods if they have career aspirations that requires high level Mathematical knowledge.

Content

The following topics provide the framework for learning in Stage 1 General Mathematics.

Semester 1

• Investing and Borrowing
• Measurement
• Statistical Investigation

Semester 2

• Applications of Trigonometry
• Linear and Exponential Functions
• Matrices and Networks

Assessment

Assessment at Stage 1 is school based.

There are two assessment types:

• Mathematical Folios (investigations and research tasks)
• Skills and Application Tasks (topic tests)

Four assessment pieces are completed in each semester of Stage 1 General Mathematics.

Semester 1

• Measurement topic test (SAT)
• Investing and Borrowing topic test (SAT)
• Bank Interest investigation (IF)
• Statistical investigation (IF)

Semester 2

• Applications of Trigonometry topic test (SAT)
• Matrices and Network topic test (SAT)
• Networks investigation (IF)
• Linear and Exponential Functions topic test (SAT)

Stage 1 General Mathematics is assessed using two criteria:

• Concepts and Techniques
  • This criterion assesses students knowledge and understanding of mathematical information and knowledge, their application of mathematical skills, gathering, representing and interpreting data and using technology to find solutions to practical problems.
• Reasoning and Communication
  • This criterion assesses students ability to interpret mathematical results, their reasoning when drawing conclusions and ability to consider appropriateness of their solutions, correct use of mathematics notation, representations and information, and their communication of ideas and information.

A Course Overview, outlining the specific criteria assessed for each task, can be provided upon request.

Successful completion of this subject leads to: Stage 2 General Mathematics

Students who intend to study General Mathematics at Stage 2: must complete 20 credits of Stage 1 General Mathematics or Mathematical Methods.

SACE requires all students to achieve a C grade or higher in one semester of any Mathematics course in Stage 1. Students who are successful have the option to choose to select an alternative elective in semester 2 or continue with a second semester of Mathematics. Students who are not successful must study a second semester of Mathematics.