MATHEMATICS FACULTY
He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
Psalm 147: 4
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Foundation Mathematics
General Mathematics
Mathematical Methods
Specialist Mathematics
The Mathematics program at Hillcrest Christian College is designed to help students discover the rational order and harmony which has been imposed on the world by God and which He revealed to us in the language of Mathematics. We model and explore our Christian faith together, and promote the realisation of individual potential. By working as a team to form one vision of mathematical education, we provide consistency in a Christian environment where we take pride in the efforts and achievement of our students.
It is an underlying principle of the Mathematics study that all students will engage in the following mathematical activities:
1. Apply Knowledge and Skills: define and explain key concepts as specified in the selected content from the areas of study, and apply a range of related mathematical routines and procedures.
2. Model, Investigate and Solve Problems: apply mathematical processes in non-routine contexts, including situations requiring problem-solving, modelling or investigative techniques or approaches, and analyse and discuss these applications of mathematics.
3. Use Technology: select and appropriately use numerical, graphical, symbolic and statistical functionalities of technology to develop mathematical ideas, produce results and carry out analysis in situations requiring problem-solving, modelling or investigative techniques or approaches.
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VCE Courses: ** Please note all VCE Mathematics Courses are in the process of implementing a new VCAA Study Design for 2023, so some details are still being confirmed and may change.
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FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS
UNIT 1 & 2
The study aims to provide for the continuing mathematical development of students entering VCE, with a strong emphasis on the use of mathematics in practical contexts encountered in everyday life in the community, at work and at study. This course requires students to have a TI – 30XB MultiView scientific calculator. It continues into Foundation Mathematics in Unit 3 and 4.
GENERAL MATHEMATICS
UNIT 1Â & 2
This is a general mathematics course designed specifically for those students who intend to complete General Mathematics Units 3 and 4 in Year 12. The study aims to consolidate the knowledge gained in Years 7 – 10 and provide a sound base for further study. As this course utilises Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), students are required to have a TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator.
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Students should be maintaining an average result of at least 70% in Year 10 Mathematics (General) to consider undertaking this course.
MATHEMATICAL METHODS
UNIT 1 & 2
This study is designed for those students with a general interest in mathematics as well as providing a sound base for those students intending to undertake studies in the science and engineering fields. The concepts of functions and graphs and calculus form the major part of the material covered. This course also provides a good introduction to Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics that are taken at Units 3 and 4 level. As this course utilizes Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), students are required to have a TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator.
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Students should be maintaining at least an 80% grade average in Year 10 Mathematics (Advanced) to consider undertaking this course.
SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS
UNIT 1 & 2
This course is intended to provide a solid introduction and grounding in the mathematics required for the combination of Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics in Units 3 and 4. The specific focus of this course will be the application of mathematics to science and engineering fields. As this course utilizes Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), students are required to have a TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator.
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Students should be maintaining at least a 90% grade average in Year 10 Mathematics (Advanced) to consider undertaking this course.
GENERAL MATHEMATICS
UNIT 3 & 4
This study is designed for those students with a general interest in mathematics as well as providing a sound base for those students intending to undertake tertiary studies in the education and health science fields. As this course utilizes Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), students are required to have a TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator.
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Further Mathematics consists of a compulsory core and a selection of two from the four optional modules.
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Students should be maintaining at least an 80% grade average in Year 11 General Mathematics to consider undertaking the course.
MATHEMATICAL METHODS
UNIT 3Â & 4
This study is designed for those students with a keen interest in mathematics, and provides a sound base for studies in mathematics at tertiary level. It is strongly recommended that students wishing to attempt these units have satisfactorily completed Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2. It would also be beneficial for students to have completed Units 1 and 2 of Specialist Mathematics. As this course utilises Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), students are required to have a TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator.
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Students should be maintaining at least an 80% grade average in Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 to consider undertaking this course.
SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS
UNIT 3Â & 4
This study is designed for those students with a strong interest in mathematics and those intending to pursue mathematics at tertiary level. The course has a definite focus towards the mathematics required for engineering and science engineering. It is advisable that students have completed Specialist Mathematics Units 1 and 2 as significant preparatory material is covered in these units. As this course utilizes Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), students are required to have a TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator.
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Students should be maintaining at least a 90% grade average in Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 to consider undertaking this course.