5.3,
5.2, 5.1 General MathematicsMathematics Faculty
It is important that students choose the correct level of Mathematics from the start of Year 11. This is to improve their chance of success in the HSC. The deadline for changing Preliminary mathematics courses at SMSHS is the end of Term 1.
Which mathematics course should I do?
The diagrams below are an attempt to suggest the kind of School Certificate background a student needs for successful study in a given senior course. However, each student will need to carefully assess their own position and be honest about such matters as study and work commitment.
Mathematics Extension 1
5.3 Mathematics (2-Unit)
General Mathematics
5.3,
5.2, 5.1 General Mathematics
Note : For students who have studied Mathematics to the 5.1 level only, the
following option topics are a prerequisite for General Mathematics:
· Trigonometry
· Further Algebra
Course: General Mathematics (2 UNIT)
This course is an alternative to the more formal and abstract Mathematics (2
Unit) course. It is designed to prepare students to use mathematics successfully
and appropriately in everyday situations as well as in many fields of
employment. This course prepares students to matriculate for tertiary
institutions. However, it does NOT prepare students for further studies in
mathematical courses beyond the HSC. Note that calculus is NOT treated in this
course. Students intending to do tertiary studies should check prerequisites for
specific courses. This course is designed for students who achieved success in
the 5.1 Course (and completed the Option Topics “Trigonometry” and “Further
Algebra”), or students who did the 5.2 Course, or students who experienced
difficulties in the 5.3 Course.
Course: Mathematics (2
UNIT)
This course prepares students to matriculate for tertiary institutions and is
the minimum basis for entry into tertiary courses requiring mathematics. Note
that calculus is treated in this course. Students intending to do tertiary
studies should check prerequisites for specific courses. A high level of
competence in mathematics in Years 9 and 10 is required for this course. It is
expected that only students who have achieved a substantial number of outcomes
in the 5.3 course would attempt this course. Students who have achieved outcomes
from the 5.1 and 5.2 courses only usually experience a lack of success when
attempting this subject.
Course: Mathematics -
Extension 1
This 1 Unit Extension course is undertaken while studying the Mathematics (2
Unit) course in both the Preliminary and HSC years (Years 11 and 12). The course
offers sound preparation for the student who wishes to complete tertiary studies
in mathematics / science based courses and is highly recommended for such
students. Students intending to do tertiary studies should check prerequisites
for specific courses. This course is designed for students who have acquired a
very high level of competence in the 5.3 course. Students who have achieved
outcomes from the 5.1 and 5.2 courses only should NOT attempt this course.
Course: Mathematics -
Extension 2
This is a 1 Unit additional HSC course (Year 12) which includes the entire
Mathematics (2 Unit) course, the entire Extension 1 course, as well as several
other major topics. It offers a very sound preparation for students wishing to
complete tertiary studies in mathematics / science based courses. This course is
very demanding and is intended only for outstanding Preliminary Extension 1
students. It represents a distinctly high level of mathematics, involving the
development of considerable manipulative skills and a high degree of
understanding of the fundamental ideas of algebra and calculus.