Foundation Mathematics

Support Unit

Prerequisites

Foundation is only selected upon recommendation by the School and is designed for students who experience difficulty with mathematics.

Unit Description

The content and assessment tasks of Year 9 Mathematics are significantly modified to allow Foundation students to focus on developing core concepts and experience success in their learning. It is possible for Foundation students to re-enter mainstream Mathematics classes if their understanding of the course is of a sufficient standard. Students in Year 9 Foundation are able to choose between Year 10 Foundation Mathematics and Year 10 General Mathematics and Applications (with a B average or higher in Foundation and the recommendation of their Teacher). This leads to the study of VCE Foundation, VCE General  Mathematics or IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretations.

Throughout this course, students use manipulatives, diagrams and make extensive use of technology. This course involves an introduction to Pythagoras' Theorem and its use in practical situations. Number sense is extended through a broad study of integers and indices. Measurement and spatial awareness are developed through a study of perimeter, area and volume. Trigonometry is introduced and students learn to apply this to practical calculations such as those involving bearings. Equation solving skills are developed and students learn to model many real-life situations with algebraic equations. The study of statistics is widened to include grouped and non-grouped data analysis. The study of linear functions teaches students to sketch functions and derive formulae from a linear graph. They also learn to model practical situations using linear graphing techniques. 

 

Assessment

• Topic tests.
• Collaborative tasks.
• Semester tests.