Subject Details - Stage 2 General Mathematics

  
SACE StageSACE Stage 2
Tertiary Admission SubjectYes
SACE Credits20 credits
Subject Length2 semesters
DescriptionGeneral Mathematics extends students’ mathematical skills in ways that apply to practical problem solving. A problem-based approach is integral to the development of mathematical models and the associated key concepts in the topics. Successful completion of General Mathematics at Stage 2 prepares students for entry to tertiary courses requiring a non-specialised background in mathematics.

Students who complete this subject with a C– or better will meet the numeracy requirement of the SACE.
TopicsStage 2 General Mathematics consists of the following six topics:
1. Modelling with Linear Relationships
2. Modelling with Matrices
3. Statistical Models
4. Financial Models
5. Discrete Models
6. Open Topic
Students study five topics from the list of six topics above. All students must study topics 1, 3, 4, and 5.
AssessmentAssessment is a mixture of school and externally based. Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through Skills and Applications Tasks (5 tests = 40% school assessed), a Folio of Work (2 investigations = 30% 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 PlanGeneral Mathematics
Suggested Prior LearningA minimum 'C' grade in Stage 1 General Mathematics or Mathematical Methods A and B or an 'A' grade in Stage 1 Essential Mathematics.
Additional InformationEffective use of a graphic calculator is an essential component in all sections of this course and students will be expected to have continuous access to a graphic calculator. 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).