Stage 6 - Mathematics Extension 2*

Course Overview

The Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 course includes the Mathematics Extension 1 Year 12 course and the Mathematics Advanced Year 12 course. The study of Mathematics Extension 2 in Stage 6:

• enables students to develop strong knowledge, understanding and skills in working mathematically and in communicating concisely and precisely
• provides opportunities to develop strong mathematical manipulative skills and a deep understanding of the fundamental ideas of algebra and calculus, as well as an awareness of mathematics as an activity with its own intrinsic value, involving invention, intuition and exploration
• provides opportunities at progressively higher levels for students to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to concepts within areas of mathematics that have applications in an increasing number of contexts
• provides a basis for progression to further study in mathematics or related disciplines and in which mathematics has a vital role at tertiary level
• provides an appropriate mathematical background for students whose future pathways will be founded in mathematics and its applications in such areas as science, engineering, finance and economics.

Course Content

Year 12

• The Nature of Proof
• Further Proof by Mathematical Induction
• Applications of Calculus to Mechanics
• Further Work with Vectors
• Introduction to Complex Numbers
• Using Complex Numbers
• Further Integration

Assessment

A variety of formal and informal assessment for learning, assessment as learning and assessment of learning tasks, including written examinations, assignments and/or investigation style tasks.

HSC Examination

• 3 hour paper

Prerequisite Knowledge & Skills

The Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 course has been developed on the assumption that students have studied the content and achieved the outcomes of the Mathematics Advanced Year 11 course and the Mathematics Extension 1 Year 11 course. The Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 course has also been constructed on the assumption that students are concurrently studying the Mathematics Advanced course and the Mathematics Extension 1 Year 12 course.

Students need to be able to perform with excellent proficiency all mathematical operations and techniques covered in the Year 11 Mathematics Extension 1 Course and have developed higher-level strategies in problem solving. This subject is designed for students with a special interest in Mathematics who have shown that they possess special aptitude for the subject. It represents a distinctly high level in school Mathematics involving the development of considerable manipulative skill and a high degree of understanding of the fundamental ideas of algebra and calculus.

Students should be willing to work a minimum of 60 minutes/night on this subject. Students who do not meet the prerequisite (below) must make written application to the Assistant Head of Secondary: Teaching and Learning.

Prerequisite for entry to HSC Mathematics Extension 2: Year 11

*Students who choose Mathematics Extension 2 must also do Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Advanced.

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