Mathematics

The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

By studying mathematics, students learn to work mathematically – developing fluency, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning and communication skills.

The syllabus consists of the following strands:

number and algebra
measurement and geometry
statistics and probability.

In Year 11 and 12, the study of mathematics is optional. Courses offered include:

Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
Mathematics Extension 1
Mathematics Advanced
Mathematics Standard 2
Mathematics Standard 1 (Optional HSC examination)
Numeracy
Mathematics Life Skills.

Maitland High School students are taught the NSW Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum. All students learn to work mathematically in order to develop understanding and fluency in mathematics through inquiry, exploring and connecting mathematical concepts, choosing and applying problem-solving skills and mathematical techniques, communication and reasoning.

Information about our courses

Students in years 7 and 8 follow the Stage 4 Mathematics program which consists of 3 strands of instruction: Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability.
Students in years 9 and 10 follow the Stage 5 program which is divided into 3 pathways:

Stage 5.1 content builds on skills developed in Stage 4 and develops student understanding of mathematical skills and applications relevant to their lives.
Stage 5.2 content extends the knowledge and skills developed in Stage 5.1 and provides a deeper understanding of the mathematical content. A solid understanding of Stage 4 content is recommended for students attempting this course
Stage 5.3 is the most challenging level of mathematics and is designed to extend the skills and knowledge developed in Stages 5.1 and 5.2. Stage 5.3 is a suitable pathway for students that are capable of achieving most of the outcomes in Stage 5.2

More information of the content of these programs is available through the Board of Studies link.

Students in Stage 6 have the option of selecting from the following mathematics courses. Students are advised to choose a mathematics course that is appropriate to their interests and abilities and will provide a solid foundation on which to enter the workforce or further education.

Clicking on the course titles below will direct you to the Board of Studies descriptions of each course.

Numeracy builds on the knowledge, skills and understanding presented in the K–10 curriculum. It supports students to develop the functional numeracy skills required to become active and successful participants in society.

Mathematics Standard will revise many of the topics covered in Stages 4 and 5 mathematics and include other topics in which the mathematics is presented in real-life contexts. Students will study Statistics, which is necessary for success in many courses offered at university. In Year 12 students will have the option to pursue a Category B category course Mathematics Standard 1 which covers more basic elements of the Standard 2 course and offers and optional HSC Examination at the end of year 12.

Mathematics Advanced will provide some revision of prior learning, but most of the content will be new. Students will learn calculus, which prepares students more effectively for success in university STEM courses such as Engineering and Physics.

Mathematics Extension 1 provides students with the opportunity to develop a thorough understanding of and competence in aspects of mathematics, including many which are applicable to the real world. The course is recommended as a minimum basis for further study of mathematics as a major discipline and in support of physical and engineering sciences.

Mathematics Extension 2 offers a deeper and more extensive study of topics not covered in other mathematics courses. This course provides a solid level of preparation for the study of mathematics at university. It represents a distinctly high level in school mathematics involving the development of considerable manipulative skill and a high degree of understanding of the fundamental ideas of algebra and calculus.