Year 12 Subject Selection – VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 3 & 4

Course Description VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 allows Senior Mathematics students to develop their knowledge of Functions, Relations, Graphs, Algebra, Calculus, Vectors, Mechanics and Probability. Over the two semesters, students work in the following Areas of Study: Unit 3 Vectors Algebra of Complex Numbers Circular Functions Differentiation Antidifferentiation Unit 4 Differential Equations Kinematics Vector Calculus Mechanics Probability and Statistics

Why study this subject? Specialist Mathematics is an ideal subject choice for students who have a strong background in Mathematics and have completed Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics Units 1 and 2 in Year 11. The ATAR scale-up potential of Specialist Mathematics in Year 12 is significant, with recent years providing a scale-up of 12 – 13 marks on raw scores (out of 50). Studying this subject keeps open all tertiary and career options in relation to Mathematics, Science and Engineering. Students who complete Year 12 Specialist Maths have a huge advantage in their university mathematical subjects, having already met many of the topics in Year 12. Possible occupations which could relate to the study of Specialist Maths include: Actuary Aerospace Engineer Chemical Engineer Electrical Engineer Pilot Meteorologist Mining Engineer Mathematics Teacher Scientist Mechanical Engineer Nanotechnologist Robotics Engineer Recommendation to undertake Specialist Maths Units 3/4 will be made in consultation with your Year 11 Mathematics teachers.

Subject pathway Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Standard Maths General Please note: Specialist Maths 1-2 must be taken alongside Maths Methods 1-2, so is not available on its own. Specialist Maths 3-4 must be taken alongside Maths Methods 3-4, so is not available on its own. Standard Maths General Maths 1-2 Further Maths 3-4 Maths Advanced Maths Maths Methods 1-2 Maths Methods 3-4 Spec’st Maths 1-2 Spec’st Maths 3-4

Coursework Components Exam question Warm-Ups Lesson Skillsheets Targeted Skills Practice TI-Nspire Graphic Calculator proficiency Organisation of Notes book and Workbook Consistent revision Application and Problem-Solving Tasks Topic Tests Online Textbook study resources VCE School-Assessed Coursework November VCAA Examinations 1 and 2

Summary of Assessments Graded Assessment Title of Assessment Duration Contribution to Study Score (%) 1 School-Assessed Coursework Unit 3: Extended Application Task Unit 4: Modelling Tasks 4 sessions 34 2 November VCAA Examination 1 Short Answer Notes–free, Technology free VCAA Formula Sheet provided 1 hour 22 3 November VCAA Examination 2 Multiple Choice/Extended Response Notes and Technology allowed 2 hours 44

Extra activities Specialist Maths students are encouraged to regularly seek help and support from their teacher in order to build understanding and confidence. Weekly support is available every Monday after school at Maths Aid in Room MA11, 3.30 – 4.30pm, where Maths Learning Area staff are on hand to assist students as they work through their Maths coursework/homework. (A late bus in to Bairnsdale is available.)

More information For further information about VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4, you are invited to speak to the following staff: Mrs Jenny White jwhite@nagle.vic.edu.au Mr Ben Zhang Phone Nagle College (03) 5152 6122