Essential Mathematics - Numeracy

About the subject

Students apply their mathematics to diverse settings, including everyday calculations, financial management, business applications, measurement and geometry, and statistics in social contexts.

In Essential Mathematics there is an emphasis on developing students’ computational skills and expanding their ability to apply their mathematical skills in flexible and resourceful ways.

This subject is intended for students planning to pursue a career in a range of trades or vocations.

This is a terminating course. Students only complete one semester of study.

Course content

Students extend their mathematical skills in ways that apply to practical problem-solving in everyday and workplace contexts. A problem-based approach is integral to the development of mathematical skills and associated key ideas in this subject.

Topics studied cover a range of applications of mathematics, including general calculation, measurement and geometry, money management, and statistics. In this subject there is an emphasis on extending students’ computational skills and expanding their ability to apply their mathematical skills in flexible and resourceful ways.

Stage 1 Essential Mathematics consists of the following seven topics:

1. Calculations, Time, and Ratio
2. Earning and Spending
3. Geometry
4. Data in Context
5. Measurement
6. Investing
7. Open Topic

Assessment

Assessment at Stage 1 is school based.The following assessment types enable students to demonstrate their learning in Stage 1 Essential Mathematics:

• Assessment Type 1: Skills and Applications Tasks
• Assessment Type 2: Folio

Students who achieve a C grade or better in this subject meet the NTCET compulsory 10-credit numeracy requirement.