Foundation Mathematics
Prerequisites
Year 9 Foundation
Course Description
The Year 10 Foundation Course is by invite only and with approval from the Leader of Learning Mathematics. Foundation Mathematics follows on from the Year 9 Foundation course. This course prepares students for VCE Foundation Mathematics. The course assessments are entirely technology active with a scientific calculator only. Students who complete this subject will not be able to select the IB Pathway in Year 11/12 or study VCE General, Methods or Specialist.
This course provides support for students who wish to continue their mathematical learning and enable them to complete 2 Units or more of VCE mathematics for courses that require students to enter with at least 2 units of mathematics. Students can progress to Units 3-4 of VCE Foundation Mathematics however this is not mandatory. The course provides a curriculum that gives relevance and meaning to the learning of mathematical concepts and core concepts of the Victorian Curriculum. Problem-solving and modelling are developed progressively throughout the course. The use of scientific calculators is integrated into the course as an instructional aid and as a computational tool..
Students build on skills from previous years in the areas of Number and Algebra, Geometry and Measurement, Probability and Statistics.
Essential Questions
- How are linear equations used in problem-solving?
- What does the gradient of a straight line represent?
- How do we estimate and approximate?
- What are the chances of events occurring?
- What is superannuation and how is it calculated?
Areas of Study
Number and Algebra
This area of study includes:
- application of integers, fractions and decimals, their properties and related operations
- use of ratios, proportions, percentages and rates to solve problems
- estimation, approximation and reasonableness of calculations and results.
- personal financial services and information such as borrowing, bills and banking
- income calculations including rates of pay and payslips
- personal taxation and superannuation
- taxation as a community and contribution to government
- fees and interest
- cost structures and related information associated with financial transactions.
Measurement and Geometry
This area of study includes:
- standard metric units and measures, including common derived metric measures
- reading and interpretation of scales on digital and analogue instruments
- estimation and approximation strategies
- time and duration including time and date specifications, conventions, schedules and timetables.
Probability and Statistics
- Collection and representation of data in diagrammatic, tabular and graphical forms and the features, conventions and terminology used in these processes
- Construction of charts, tables and graphs to represent data
- Interpretation of data to summarise and communicate findings and possible conclusions.
Assessment
Task |
Description |
Topic Tests |
One test on each topic studied. |
Homework |
Regular homework is set and assessed. |
Semester Examination |
Technology active examination. |