Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of number and space.
More particularly it is:
- a search for patterns and relationships. This search, utilising acquired knowledge and skills, leads to the development of concepts and generalisations, which can be applied in finding solutions to problems, improving our understanding of the world around us and meeting the specific needs of people;
- a way of thinking, characterised by processes such as exploring, manipulating, discovering, ordering, classifying, generalising, abstracting, estimating, calculating, predicting, describing, deducing, drawing and measuring;
- a powerful, precise and concise means of communication, used to represent, to interpret, to explain and to predict;
- a creative activity. Accordingly, it involves invention, intuition and discovery.
Senior Courses offered by Mathematics
Standard Mathematics
Mathematics is essential for living. Some aspects of mathematics are required by individuals in order to function adequately as members of society. These aspects include strategies, skills and techniques involved in number facts, computation, mathematical problem-solving and reasoning.
Mathematics
Mathematics is deeply embedded in modern society. From the numeracy skills required to manage personal finances, to making sense of data in various forms, to leading-edge technologies in the sciences and engineering, mathematics provides the framework for interpreting, analysing and predicting, and the tools for effective participation in an increasingly complex society.
Mathematics Extension 1
Mathematics is important and useful in many fields of endeavour. These fields include the sciences, medicine, economics, commerce, industry, engineering, business and the arts. Mathematics also provides a means of oral and written communication. Mathematics can be used to present and convey information in many ways. Some of these include explanations, figures, letters, tables, charts, diagrams, graphs and drawings.
Mathematics Extension 2
The need to interpret the large volumes of data made available through technology draws on skills in logical thought and skills in checking claims and assumptions in a systematic way. Mathematics is the appropriate training ground for the development of these skills.
The thinking required to enhance further the power and usefulness of technology in real-world applications requires advanced mathematical training. The rapid advances in technology experienced in recent years have driven, and been driven by, advances in the discipline of mathematics.