Mathematics

The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10. 

By studying mathematics, students learn to work mathematically – developing fluency, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning and communication skills.

The syllabus consists of the following strands:

• number and algebra
• measurement and geometry
• statistics and probability.

In Year 11 and 12, the study of mathematics is optional. Courses offered include:

• Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
• Mathematics Extension 1
• Mathematics Advanced
• Mathematics Standard 2
• Mathematics Standard 1 (Optional HSC examination)
• Mathematics Life Skills.

The Department of Mathematics of Callaghan College Jesmond Senior Campus believes that mathematics is a vital foundation in the development of knowledge. We regard the skills of mathematics as a significant part of being an educated person.

We believe mathematics is critical to post secondary training and employment. To attain mastery in many professions and careers, a strong background in mathematics is essential, hence we endeavour to provide students with a sound foundation on which to build their future.

We take care to ensure that students are taking responsibility for their achievements and we foster intellectual and personal growth in and out of the class room. The members of the department maintain course and classroom policies that are clear and fair

Mathematics

The course gives students an understanding of and competence in, some further aspects of mathematics that are applicable to the real world.

It provides a sufficient basis for further studies in mathematics as a minor discipline at tertiary level in support of courses such as the life sciences or commerce.

This course is intended for students who have displayed competence and skills in Stage 5.3 Mathematics or have achieved at a high level the Stage 5.2 outcomes.

Topics studies in the preliminary year include:

• Algebra
• Functions
• Trigonometry
• Quadratic Polynomials and parabolas
• Euclidean Geometry
• Calculus

General Mathematics

The General Mathematics course focuses on mathematical skills which have direct application to everyday activity. It provides a mathematical background for students who wish to enter occupations requiring the use of basic mathematical and statistical techniques.

The course provides a foundation for vocational pathways, either in the work force or in further training in areas such as business, the humanities, nursing and paramedical sciences.

Topics studied in the preliminary course include:

• Measurement
• Surface Area and Volume
• Similarity
• Trigonometry
• Consumer Arithmetic
• Algebra and Equations
• Graphs
• Variation
• Statistics and Probability

Students are reminded that Mathematics is not compulsory and any student who found Stage 5.1 Mathematics  challenging, will find this course very difficult.

For the HSC year the General Mathematics course will divide into General 1 and General 2. The General 1 course will not be examined at the HSC and so cannot be counted towards an ATAR. The General 2 course will have a HSC exam and results will count towards an ATAR. Students will elect to study either General 1 or General 2 after completing the same Preliminary course.

Mathematics Extension 1

(Combined with Mathematics to total 3 units)
This is an extension to the Mathematics course and is studied in conjunction with that course.

It is a recommended minimum basis for further studies in mathematics as a major discipline at a tertiary level, and for the study of mathematics in support of the physical and engineering sciences.

The content of this course, which includes the whole of the 2 Unit Mathematics course, indicates that it is intended for students who have demonstrated a mastery of the skills included in Stage 5.3 Mathematics. Students with outstanding mathematical ability should consider undertaking the Extension 2 course in the HSC year.

Extension 1 topic studies in the preliminary year include:

• Further Geometry (including the geometry of the circle)
• Further Trigonometry
• Further Coordinate Geometry
• Parametric Equations
• Further Probability (combinations and permutations)
• Polynomials