Foundation Mathematics

Mathematics

VCE

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Mathematics is the study of function and pattern in number, logic, space and structure, and of randomness, chance, variability, and uncertainty in data and events. It is both a framework for thinking and a means of symbolic communication that is powerful, logical, concise and precise. Mathematics also provides a means by which people can understand and manage human and natural aspects of the world and interrelationships between these. Essential mathematical activities include conjecturing, hypothesising and problem-posing; estimating, calculating, computing and constructing; abstracting, proving, refuting and inferring; applying, investigating, modelling and problem-solving.

Foundation Mathematics Units 1–4 provide for the continuing mathematical development of students with respect to problems encountered in practical contexts in everyday life at home, in the community, at work and in study.

This study enables students to:

  • develop mathematical concepts, key knowledge and key skills
  • apply mathematics to analyse, investigate and model a variety of contexts and solve practical and theoretical problems in situations that range from well-defined and familiar to open-ended and unfamiliar
  • apply computational thinking and algorithms, and use technology effectively as a tool for working mathematically.

 

Assessment activities

  • portfolio
  • assignments
  • tests
  • solutions to sets of worked questions
  • summary notes or review notes
  • modelling tasks
  • problem-solving tasks
  • mathematical investigations
  • exams.

Selection advice

Foundation Mathematics Units 1 and 2 focus on providing students with the mathematical knowledge, skills, understanding and dispositions to solve problems in real contexts for a range of workplace, personal, further learning, and community settings relevant to contemporary society. They are also designed as preparation for Foundation Mathematics Units 3 and 4 and contain assumed knowledge and skills for these units.

Links to further pathways

Foundation Mathematics Units 1–4 provide for the continuing mathematical development of students with respect to problems encountered in practical contexts in everyday life at home, in the community, at work and in study.