Course summary

This course is the last in a series of four Mathematics Extension 1 courses designed to consolidate knowledge and skills, build confidence in solving unfamiliar problems and maximise examination results. It includes succinct summaries of topics to help solidify foundations, and a broad range of examination-style questions to demonstrate the application of these. Students are given time to apply their knowledge and receive individual assistance and feedback. Study skills and examination techniques will also be addressed.

This workshop will deal with identifying strategies for solving examination style questions from the Mathematics Extension 1 course. This will include reviewing key syllabus content, looking at relevant questions from past HSC examinations and other sources. Students will practise interpreting questions and planning responses. The presenter will provide feedback and will also offer advice on examination technique and how to maximise examination results. Students will have the opportunity to ask topic specific questions.

Other courses in this series include HSC Mathematics Preparation - Extension 1 (Part 1) (January), HSC Mathematics Preparation - Extension 1 (Part 2) (April) and HSC Mathematics Preparation - Extension 1 (Part 3) (July). You do not need to attend all parts in order to benefit.

Aims

The aim of this course is to improve students’ knowledge of the Stage 6 Mathematics Extension 1 course. We want students to leave with a deeper understanding of the topics covered and feeling confident that they have the skills required to interpret and answer examination questions.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• answer a range of questions based on the Mathematics Extension 1 topics
• critically evaluate your own and others’ solutions to improve the quality of responses in assessment tasks
• interpret mathematical language of examination questions to better understand the steps for quality solutions
• identify the relationships between key areas of mathematics
• manage time effectively during examinations.

Content

The following topics from the Mathematics Extension 1 syllabus will be covered:

• Further work with functions
• Polynomials
• Further trigonometry
• Permutations and combinations
• The binomial theorem
• Proof by mathematical induction
• Introduction to vectors
• Inverse trigonometric functions
• Further calculus skills
• Further applications of calculus
• The binomial distribution and sampling distribution of the mean

Prerequisites 

Students need to have completed the Year 11 Mathematics Extension 1 topics and should currently be studying Mathematics Extension 1 in Stage 6.

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for students studying Year 12 Mathematics Extension 1.

Delivery style

Delivered as a one-day, activity-based workshop, this course will explore and apply mathematical knowledge and skills in a combination of lectures, tutorials and problem-solving sessions. Practice exercises are graded, and you will receive immediate feedback.

Materials

The course materials contain topic summaries, examples that illustrate key ideas, and a range of examination style questions. Worked solutions to all examples and practice problems are included. All course materials are provided electronically.

What you need to do before the course

Please bring a device to access the course materials, along with a NESA-approved calculator.

Course evaluation

This course will be evaluated through an online questionnaire, which will be sent via email and SMS during class.

Getting Through Your HSC: A Practical Guide

While you progress through this journey and also the conclusion of your schooling life, we know you’ll have a lot on your mind – exams, future study, careers – but remember, while keeping focused on these bigger goals and aspirations, it’s also important not to forget your own health and well-being.

For tips on staying motivated and keeping focused, dealing with anxiety, keeping healthy, relaxation, pre-study exercise and more, read our article Getting Through Your HSC: A Practical Guide.