Subject Details - Stage 2 Essential Mathematics
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| SACE Stage | SACE Stage 2 |
| Tertiary Admission Subject | Yes |
| SACE Credits | 20 credits |
| Subject Length | 2 semesters |
| Description | Essential Mathematics offers students the opportunity to extend their mathematical skills in ways that apply to practical problem-solving in everyday and workplace contexts. Students apply their mathematics to diverse settings, including everyday calculations, financial management, business applications, measurement and geometry, and statistics in social contexts.
In Essential Mathematics there is an emphasis on developing computational skills and applying their mathematical skills in flexible and resourceful ways.
Students who complete this subject with a C– or better will meet the numeracy requirement of the SACE. It is also a suitable option for students wanting to achieve an ATAR and gain entry in a university course, which has no maths prerequisites. This subject is intended for students planning to pursue a career in a range of trades or vocations.
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| Topics | Stage 2 Essential Mathematics consists of the following six topics:
Topic 1: Scales, Plans, and Models
Topic 2: Measurement
Topic 3: Business Applications
Topic 4: Statistics
Topic 5: Investments and Loans
Topic 6: Open Topic
Students study five topics from the list of six topics above. All students must study topics 2, 4, and 5.
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| Assessment | Assessment is a mixture of school and externally based. Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through Skills and Applications Tasks (5 tests = 30% school assessed), a Folio of Work (2 investigations = 40% school assessed) and a 130 minute examination (30% externally assessed).
One test must be undertaken without using a calculator or notes.
These are assessed against two performance standards:
o Concepts and Techniques (CT)
o Reasoning and Communication (RC) |
| SACE Assessment Plan | Essential Mathematics |
| Suggested Prior Learning | A pass in two semesters of Stage 1 Maths. |
| Additional Information | Excursions may cost extra. A scientific calculator is essential, though a graphic calculator is desirable. These can be borrowed through the school ($60 refundable deposit). Students will also need to purchase a revision guide ($30).
Graph book and appropriate stationery.
For success in this course students should expect to be spending a minimum of 3 hours per week, outside of timetabled lesson and tutorial time, on independent study, revision, practice and completing assessment tasks (both formative and summative).
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