Mathematics is a unique and powerful intellectual discipline that is used to investigate patterns, order, generality and uncertainty. It is a way of thinking in which problems are explored and solved through observation, reflection and logical reasoning. It uses a concise system of communication, with written, symbolic, spoken and visual components. Mathematics is creative, requires initiative and promotes curiosity in an increasingly complex and data-driven world. It is the foundation of all quantitative disciplines.
To prepare students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate effectively in the community and the economy requires the development of skills that reflect the demands of the 21st century. Students undertaking Mathematics will develop their critical and creative thinking, oral and written communication, information & communication technologies (ICT) capability, ability to collaborate, and sense of personal and social responsibility — ultimately becoming lifelong learners who demonstrate initiative when facing a challenge. The use of technology to make connections between mathematical theory, practice and application has a positive effect on the development of conceptual understanding and student disposition towards mathematics.
Mathematics teaching and learning practices range from practising essential mathematical routines to develop procedural fluency, through to investigating scenarios, modelling the real world, solving problems and explaining reasoning. When students achieve procedural fluency, they carry out procedures flexibly, accurately and efficiently. When factual knowledge and concepts come to mind readily, students are able to make more complex use of knowledge to successfully formulate, represent and solve mathematical problems. Problem-solving helps to develop an ability to transfer mathematical skills and ideas between different contexts. This assists students to make connections between related concepts and adapt what they already know to new and unfamiliar situations. With appropriate effort and experience, through discussion, collaboration and reflection of ideas, students should develop confidence and experience success in their use of mathematics.
The major domains of mathematical knowledge in Specialist Mathematics are Vectors and matrices, Real and complex numbers, Trigonometry, Statistics and Calculus. Topics are developed systematically, with increasing levels of sophistication, complexity and connection, building on functions, calculus, statistics from Mathematical Methods, while vectors, complex numbers and matrices are introduced. Functions and calculus are essential for creating models of the physical world. Statistics are used to describe and analyse phenomena involving probability, uncertainty and variation. Matrices, complex numbers and vectors are essential tools for explaining abstract or complex relationships that occur in scientific and technological endeavours.
Students who undertake Specialist Mathematics will develop confidence in their mathematical knowledge and ability, and gain a positive view of themselves as mathematics learners. They will gain an appreciation of the true nature of mathematics, its beauty and its power.
