1. Year 12 Subject Selection – VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 3 & 4

2. Course Description
VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 allows Senior Mathematics students to develop their knowledge of Functions, Relations, Graphs, Algebra, Calculus, Vectors, Mechanics and Probability.
Over the two semesters, students work in the following Areas of Study:
Unit 3
Vectors
Algebra of Complex Numbers
Circular Functions
Differentiation
Antidifferentiation
Unit 4
Differential Equations
Kinematics
Vector Calculus
Mechanics
Probability and Statistics

3. Why study this subject?
Specialist Mathematics is an ideal subject choice for students who have a strong background in Mathematics and have completed Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics Units 1 and 2 in Year 11.
The ATAR scale-up potential of Specialist Mathematics in Year 12 is significant, with recent years providing a scale-up of 12 – 13 marks on raw scores (out of 50).
Studying this subject keeps open all tertiary and career options in relation to Mathematics, Science and Engineering. Students who complete Year 12 Specialist Maths have a huge advantage in their university mathematical subjects, having already met many of the topics in Year 12.
Possible occupations which could relate to the study of Specialist Maths include:
Actuary Aerospace Engineer Chemical Engineer Electrical Engineer
Pilot Meteorologist Mining Engineer Mathematics Teacher
Scientist Mechanical Engineer Nanotechnologist Robotics Engineer
Recommendation to undertake Specialist Maths Units 3/4 will be made in consultation with your Year 11 Mathematics teachers.

4. Subject pathway Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Standard Maths General
Please note:
Specialist Maths 1-2 must be taken alongside Maths Methods 1-2, so is not available on its own.
Specialist Maths 3-4 must be taken alongside Maths Methods 3-4, so is not available on its own.
Standard
Maths
General
Maths
1-2
Further
Maths
3-4
Maths
Advanced
Maths
Maths
Methods 1-2
Maths
Methods
3-4
Spec’st
Maths
1-2
Spec’st
Maths
3-4

5. Coursework Components
Exam question Warm-Ups
Lesson Skillsheets
Targeted Skills Practice
TI-Nspire Graphic Calculator proficiency
Organisation of Notes book and Workbook
Consistent revision
Application and Problem-Solving Tasks
Topic Tests
Online Textbook study resources
VCE School-Assessed Coursework
November VCAA Examinations 1 and 2

6. Summary of Assessments
Graded Assessment
Title of Assessment
Duration
Contribution to
Study Score
(%) 1
School-Assessed Coursework
Unit 3: Extended Application Task
Unit 4: Modelling Tasks
4 sessions 34 2
November VCAA Examination 1
Short Answer
Notes–free, Technology free
VCAA Formula Sheet provided
1 hour 22 3
November VCAA Examination 2
Multiple Choice/Extended Response
Notes and Technology allowed
2 hours 44

7. Extra activities
Specialist Maths students are encouraged to regularly seek help and support from their teacher in order to build understanding and confidence.
Weekly support is available every Monday after school at Maths Aid in Room MA11, 3.30 – 4.30pm, where Maths Learning Area staff are on hand to assist students as they work through their Maths coursework/homework.
(A late bus in to Bairnsdale is available.)

8. More information
For further information about VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4, you are invited to speak to the following staff: Mrs Jenny White Mr Ben Zhang Phone Nagle College (03)